Anyone doubting whether the Lions made the right choice in 2009 now? If so, get your head examined.

Admittedly, when we drafted Stafford, I was slightly skeptical. I wouldn't say I was overly skeptical, but how could you not be a little bit with how the Lions had been performing up to that point. Ever since, we've made a complete 180 in terms of talent and production on the field. Even with his injuries, the entire team had shown up and proven that they were getting better gradually. But we know now that everything rides on Stafford. As it should. He is, indeed, our franchise quarterback and is proving himself more and more all the time.

Stafford is absolutely torching it this year. He is on pace for 5,000 passing yards and 40 passing TDs. Incredible numbers. And I can already hear people claiming that it's only because we're one-dimensional. Yes, there is merit in that argument. But I think this exhibits the brilliance of Stafford's air game, being able to overcome the lack of a consistent run game.

Not only this, but Stafford will have FOUR solid RBs (Jahvid Best, Mikel Leshoure, Kevin Smith, and Maurice Morris), barring the release or trade of anyone, to rotate and give us solid production there and take pass pressure off. If the Lions can establish that, watch out. I honestly think they should find a way to keep all four of them. New England has done it. A rotation of three to four solid backs and it helps out Brady tremendously.

You can't discount how valuable Megatron is to Stafford's numbers. At all. Without him, there's much less production. But no previous QBs were taking advantage of it quite like Staff. They have a special vibe and it's going to lead us to special places.

Honestly, I saw these two ugly losses coming from ten miles away. Even when we were 5-0, I saw the teams we've beaten this year and wondered if we'd really been tested. Yes, we had major comebacks that were beyond impressive against Dallas and the Vikings on their own turf. Yes, we crushed KC, and Denver eventually. And we had a huge win over the Bears on MNF in Detroit.

But the Packers and Saints are a different breed of teams. They have won recent Super Bowls with their star players. They have been tested and proven. Their QBs are lights-friggin'-out right now. WITH ALL THE STUPIDITY THAT THE LIONS COMMITTED IN BOTH GAMES, they weren't blown out completely.

All the Lions need to do is reel in the overemotional reaction to every little thing. We are still learning to win, and the pressure of being considered winners seems to be tough for them to handle right now. The limelight is new to all of them.

The test is truly coming in these last four weeks. Vikings. Chargers. Raiders. Packers. We have a chance to regroup. We can win 3 of these last 4 in my opinion. That puts us at 10-6 for the year. It is amazing to me, after how bad we were in 2008 and before, that we are at this point already....being considered playoff hopefuls. Honestly, it's a beautiful thing.

They will learn from their mistakes. Trust me, Jim Schwartz is a smart guy. They are all going through continued growing pains, and this will only make them stronger together. Smarter together. Better on the field together.

Are you telling me after this year of learning how to win....plus getting Mikel Leshoure and Jahvid Best back, Nick Fairley having an actual offseason to improve and get in shape, draft picks, free agency, having just re-discovered Kevin Smith looking better than ever...etc.... that we aren't heading somewhere extremely special?

We will be just fine.

Dan Orlovsky has had rough times in the NFL....

Adam Schefter did an interesting article on Dan Orlovsky and Ernie Sims, obviously two former Lions who were a part of the 0-16 season in 2008.  Both of them, as some of you already realize, have found themselves with another team that is creeping ever so close to the 0-16 season as well. 

I remember when the Lions were going through that season.  I heard some analysts say that going 0-16 was harder than going 16-0 in this league.  Although I disagree with that, I think I understand their driving point.   The talent levels on the professional teams are good from top to bottom.  Every team SHOULD be able to win games.   Obviously, a losing mentality and an inability to pick yourself up when the season is lost can cause this to be a bit tougher than any of us can realize.  

To live through two of those seasons has to be amazingly tough on the football psyche within both of these guys.  I feel very bad for them.  Talk about tough luck.

I think we all know that Stafford's injury played a huge part in his performance today.  Doubling his interception numbers for the year in one game is a huge testament to this fact.   Cutler was throwing in that wind too, so it's not really an excuse.   Everyone is going to have a bad game, and Stafford has played well overall this year.  The Bears are hot right now, so I am feeling better than Eagles fans are feeling right now, for instance. 

Secondly, I have one question.....why in the hell do we continue to punt to Hester?   Seriously.   It befuddles me any time he catches the ball.

We lost for the first time in 10 games to a VERY talented 49ers team that is also on the up and coming.  We are 5-1.  EXCEPTIONAL record for a team that only two years ago was licking its nearly fatal wounds from an 0-16 season.  We face ATL at home and head to DEN before the bye week....both winnable games with the talent on this team.  Do you think Schwartz and company are not going to be ready as hell for the Falcons?

I'm proud of this team.  Very, very proud.   Honestly, the only thing I'm not proud of are the bandwagon fans that are so emotionally unstable with every up and down that they throw the team and its players under the bus when something even slightly doesn't go our way.  It's the HALLMARK of a sect of fans that doesn't understand longevity, endurance, and perseverance in football.   Let me be clear.....90% of the fans on here are not that way.  But that leaves about 10% that just cannot handle the ups and downs that will inevitably come from week to week with an extremely talented young team. 

Look at the Bucs.  They have suffered losses AT HOME to us and they got SMOKED by the 49ers last week 48-3.  Yet, they turn around and recover to defeat New Orleans this week, and not by random chance.  The Lions are built just like that.  They have the camaraderie and the smarts to bounce back from this and beat Atlanta AND Denver this week.   Even if they don't, I'll still be here cheering them on. 

YES......this team has a lot of things to fix.   EVERY team does.  YES.....Stafford could've played better today  He's going to have games like that from time to time.  YES.....the team is still learning.  

I want to just say that I am proud to be a Lions fan.  I'm proud of Schwartz not taking any shit after the game, regardless of whether he could've handled it better or not.   I'm proud of our defense and offense, doing everything they can in the moment to survive. 

Although it was tough, I was proud to be a Lions fan when they weren't good.   And that's what makes this season so much fun, win or lose.  I know each game is going to be competitive, and winnable.  I know Stafford is SOLID at QB.   One of the best in the league.  I know we have THE BEST wide receiver in the league.   And talent around these guys that surpasses anything we've seen in Detroit in years. 

We lost today to a good 49ers team.  By 6 points.  The Bucs lost to them by 45 just last week.  We are for real.

Hang your hat on this:

• The Lions can go 5-5 the rest of the way and go 10-6.  I think they'll do better than that.

I went into this game thinking it was very, very possible we could lose it.   We had an emotional win over the Bears Monday night, with a smaller rest window.  We're going to be fine, my friends.  5-1 is everything to celebrate.   This team is growing and maturing QUICKLY together.  

One MAJOR thing that I want to see happen.   Nick Fairley needs to start making an impact soon.

The Lions coming back today was huge!  HUGE!  I would've never thought it possible when we were down 27-3, especially with how we were playing to that point.  Romo had to let us back in, which he did.  And our guys are damn good enough to take advantage of such an opportunity.  WE ARE 3-0 ON THE ROAD!   We've played two games in a row in hostile environments, while down huge at halftime....and won!   Calvin Johnson has 8 TDs!  (Suck on that, Cris Carter.....I hope CJ gets 2 more next week and passes him!)   The offensive line did not allow a sack against the sack leader, DeMarcus Ware, or any of his teammates.   Pretty good response to the Vikings game and Jared Allen.

With all of that said, we have so, so much we need to shore up.   We cannot be coming out early and allowing the big stage, the elements, and whatever else to create jitters and flat play.  Can you imagine how we'd be playing if it were all four quarters like we've been playing in the second half? 

Either way.....I LOVE MY LIONS!!  JIM SCHWARTZ IS INCREDIBLE!  MEGATRON IS INCREDIBLE!   STAFFORD....BEST....SUH.....CHRIS HOUSTON.....CARPENTER (FOR STEPPING IN BIG FOR DURANT).....AND THE REST....HUGE!! 

Enjoy this, but we have to stay grounded.  The Lions are lucky to be 4-0.   And to keep this up the rest of the season, they have to play more consistent.

On the Bleacher Report's week 4 power rankings, the Lions are ranked solidly at #2, just behind our favorites in the Green Bay Packers.  They have the Bills at #3.  I am guessing this is solely a momentum-type Power Rankings list, but still....wow.  I wasn't expecting anyone to have them that high.  Top ten?  Yes, definitely.  But #2?  It might be jumping the gun a little bit.  I WILL say that it is incredible that we are 3-0 after having not played our best football.  It's obvious that we still have room to improve and the team is quite aware of it.  What do you guys think? 

ESPN's list will be interesting, although I can already tell you the Jets and Patriots will be ahead of us, and probably a few others.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110823/SPORTS01/308230003/1049/sports01?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FreepDetroitLions+%28freep.com+|+Detroit+Lions%29

Shhhhhh.  Be Very Quiet.  He's hunting Quarterbacks.   Brady is skeered.  Even the better offensive linemen in the league have Suh on their list of tackles that worry them.  If anyone watched that Bears game last night, you can see Cutler has to be SWEATING thinking about playing us on MNF in Detroit.   If Fairley can get back healthy and strong, that line gets even better and I think we go to the playoffs, barring any more ridiculous injuries.

I have seen some people mentioning that they believe, due to Drew Stanton looking very sharp in tonight's preseason game (and I am sure because of his performance last year when he played), that Shaun Hill should be tested on the trade market.   I have a one word response to this:   WHY?

Are we crazy?  We have Matthew Stafford, a franchise-caliber QB that can obviously do great things on the field when given the chance.   He's an excellent leader, accurate and confident, and has the locker room under his wing.  Most teams don't have good backups.  At all.  Period.  Take the Patriots.  Or the Colts.  Or any of these teams that rely so heavily on their star QB.  If Manning or Brady goes down, so goes the season, most likely.  

The Lions have not been a team of fortune for the past decade, but we all feel this tide turning very quickly thanks to the new front office and the players that have been brought in.  Our quarterback situation is EXCELLENT.   Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill, Drew Stanton.   Shaun Hill could start for many teams in the league.  He helped salvage some major positivity last season as the main sub for Stafford.  Stanton did as well, but Hill is much more game-tested and has a veteran presence. 

I ask you, why would be get rid of this situation for a 6th round pick?!?  It'd be one thing if Hill was super worried about leaving and starting somewhere, but he has stated that he is perfectly fine with his role in Detroit.  Last year, we rotated between the three of them.   Stafford went down, Hill goes in......Hill goes down, Stanton goes in.....Stafford gets healthy and comes back.....gets injured again and Hill comes back.  Stanton even got injured in there somewhere but came back again.   Could we have done that with Stafford, Stanton, and Chris Painter.....or Rex Grossman.....or Jordan Palmer....Ricky Stanzi?

I'm perfectly happy with the QB lineup.  Why fix something that isn't broken?   Let's let it be, guys.

Stephen Tulloch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IqcUHlXzqA
http://youtu.be/B1nvAfQaIdA

Mikel Leshoure
http://youtu.be/gVgFcPDMQLQ

Justin Durant
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d814becb2/Durant-gets-a-pick

Titus Young
http://youtu.be/7JkmUnh6MU8
http://youtu.be/abZZZTwFylw
http://youtu.be/CzBAL-BTUW4

Eric Wright
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d815723dd/Eric-Wright-interception

Nick Fairley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hAMHmbqybk
http://youtu.be/yPRCb-Ak0qA (Irvin's reaction is everything)
http://youtu.be/pQZ6cAgot6s (Ryan Clark, Jamele Hill, and Skip Bayless with nothing but good things to say)

Rashied Davis...couldn't find much in the way of highlight videos for him.   But I know he'll be a good target for Stafford.

And for good measure.....what they are joining....
http://youtu.be/tCBGvKaqXcU
http://youtu.be/VycJ1AX1bVA
http://youtu.be/12B-0_W_7as
http://youtu.be/Pa7lXnQU7u8
http://youtu.be/R3P7qwu84rg
http://youtu.be/DlK9FgIq-lM
http://youtu.be/AuRVf92NbSk
http://youtu.be/SM-pCIAg01w
http://youtu.be/WJNp6paYRJE
http://youtu.be/KDQohuVsQT4

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AhalGa9bHZ6o7gussVoifhFDubYF?slug=ap-bills-posluszny

I am a fan of Posluszny personally because he has KILLED for me in fantasy football the last couple of years.  He's production city and I think, behind our D-line and next to Levy, he can shine big.  What do you guys think?  The Lions should definitely go after him if he truly tests the market.   This season has me pumped, and I know it's going to be topsy turvy with how the lockout has affected the offseason.  Let's get ready, Lions fans.  It could be a great year.

This is quite the interesting offseason already for the Lions.  It has been several years since I can remember so little urgency in terms of revamping the entire team in the hopes of restoring the roar.  Yet, there are definitely positional holes that need to be addressed if we want to continue on the upswing.  

There have been a lot of people, not just here at POD but in the sports media as well, talking about the Lions taking Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara if he falls to the #13 position.  I don't have quite the confidence in Amukamara as I have had in the last few draft picks.  I have a close friend and co-worker who is a huge Cornhuskers fan and he claims that Prince Amukamara is highly overrated and will likely bust in the NFL, most notably bringing up his inability to cover properly in the last couple of games of the year for Nebraska.  There are reasons why his stock has fallen over the months.  

I wanted to get some of our newly-acquired (thanks to Suh) Cornhusker fans' opinions on Prince, since they watched him play for so long.  If he were to fall to #13, is he worth a look?  Can we take a chance on a CB that makes people a little unsure, or do the Lions need to take advantage of the deep LB list in the draft this year?  

Personally, I feel the Lions need to go after a veteran CB somehow and get a LB from the draft that can learn from Levy.  Either way, I trust Schwartz and Mayhew at this point.   They have been doing an excellent job since coming in here after the 0-16 season.  

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LIONS!!!

Would someone explain to me how Stafford is injury-prone?  Are those who argue that really going to sit there and say with a straight face that 5 different significant QB injuries to three different QBs are the quarterbacks' faults?  It seems to me no coincidence that our quarterbacks keep getting injured.  If Stafford is injury prone, so are Shaun Hill and Stanton.  But in all reality, we know that our offensive line isn't doing its job.   Period.  We have three solid quarterback options at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings and we can't keep them on the field. 

Okay, so the Rams game ended up being a lot of fun for Lions fans to watch.  The Lions dominated with a chip on their shoulder from the opening kickoff for the most part.  I was really pleased with how we handled a Rams team that came into the game confident they could beat us after winning two games in a row with their new franchise QB.   What was your favorite moment (besides just getting the W) of Week 5's annihilation and why? 

...for the start to the 2010 season, go get a dose or two of reality.  We have to be more patient than this...we're acting like the annoying Bears fans that I constantly have to listen to all the time living close to Chicago. 

Our team, not but two years ago, was only beginning the lowest of low seasons.  To expect that this team would be already dominate is just irrational.  Jim Schwartz walked into a complete and utter crapfest when he took the job of head coach of the Detroit Lions about a year and a half ago.  We all know this...so why are people writing about his job security.  IF YOU WANT CONSISTENCY AND SUCCESS, YOU HAVE TO LET IT BUILD.  You cannot be firing and hiring coaches, revamping all personnel every other year, and changing over your entire defense or offense every other year.  You have to let things build and gel. 

This seems like common sense to me.  But the predictable impatience that is being shown by some Lions fans is starting to eat at me.  If you are one of these people, you are not allowing for things to just happen.  As much as you want to see a successful Lions team, you have to take a step back and let things happen. 

In 2010, thus far, we've played three very good teams...two of which we played notable games against and one we didn't.  What is wrong with that?  We all know our record SHOULD be 1-2 at the moment...possibly 2-1 or 3-0 with Stafford under center.  This team is SCORES better than the ones I've seen in Detroit over the past decade.  But we still have the problems that we've been discussing here for weeks and months.  Our secondary needs work.  Our pass defense still needs improvement.  Next offseason, you can bet that will be addressed...along with the linebackers.  We're pressuring the QBs more....we have a notable offense when everyone is healthy...and Schwartz seems to get the big picture of what needs to happen in Detroit for success to follow. 

Please, for the love of God, stop being so impatient and impulsive with your criticisms.  Yes, Schwartz has made mistakes.   It's going to happen.  But let's be reasonable here.  Any fans who have REALLY been disappointed by the start of the season set themselves up for heartbreak.  I knew going in that this season would be very tough and that our record probably wouldn't speak of the progress we're having.  The schedule is as tough as nails....the injuries are piling up predictably, and our defense is still questionable at best.   We're better than this.  You know what it's going to take to see this team succeed....much more time than people have been willing to give thus far.  Accept it and move on.   Our time is coming, my fellow Lions fans.  It just may not be at the speed you'd like it.  But it's coming.  And with patience, it will arrive....no doubt.   And it will be glorious.   Hang in there.  

We're going to have a rough one in Lambeau this week.  Get ready.

That is all.  GO LIONS!!!

...a win against the Eagles at home on Sunday.

1. Get punched in the face really hard
2. Run away from the bulls in Spain
3. Be tazed
4. Crawl through an extended amount of broken glass
5. Train dodge

What would YOU do for a win on Sunday?   List it out below.  A win against the Eagles would be such a huge confidence builder.     

(More after jump)

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LINK

Jahvid Best is getting a lot of praise and attention from the media.  The more and more I hear about him, the more impressed I get.  I wasn't quite sure why we jumped ahead into the first round to pick him up.   I am starting to see now that it may have been another genius move on the part of the front office.  Little by little, guys.....little by little.   We are going to take this league by surprise...little by little. 

I think Best can help jump start a very talented offense.  If only Kevin Smith can get in the mix and help take some of the load and pressure off of Best.

As long as I have been coming to P.O.D. for my Lions updates and community, I have never really been able to truly gauge how the Lions fanbase felt about him as a whole.   I have, for the most part, been very interested in what Cliff Avril could become for us since he was drafted in the 3rd round just two years ago.   Both of his pro years have seen him having to adjust to two different schemes, which never really allowed him to get comfortable.  Still, even with the adjustment and playing on one of the porous defenses in the NFL, Avril's numbers went up while playing in 2 less games.  He, thus far, has been good for 5 sacks a year.  Decent, but not great. 

Personally, I feel that Cliff Avril is perfectly situated for a breakout year.  I am not an Avril apologist, but with the likes of Kyle Vanden Bosch, Ndamukong Suh, and Corey Williams lining up next to him, he will be able to rush the QB with the most confidence he's had in his brief pro career.  I have been following Avril (along with many other Lions) on Twitter since the end of last season; all offseason, he has been chomping at the bit for the 2010 season.  He has mentioned how it is a "do or die" season for him....and how badly he wants to prove to the Lions, their fans, and himself that he can be an outstanding defensive lineman.  I believe it is possible.  

I foresee, barring any injuries that would change things dramatically, that Avril will have a breakthrough year in 2010 and help this defense out more than people are realizing.  Granted, much of this has to do with the fact that he'll be playing alongside some of the most talented guys we've had on that line in a while.  But my trust in Avril comes from his motivation...his determination...his mentality...and his ability to see that he really needs to prove himself.  

My hope is that I am right...because if I am, we have a very solid defensive four that will help out an otherwise questionable secondary to no end.  And maybe........just maybe.....we can do something unexpected this year.   Everyone is expecting improvement.....5-11.....6-10....even 7-9 or 8-8.    But if the right momentum comes our way because of the right team mentality....if we come out of the gates running hard....we could make a statement.

I'm not drinking the kool-aid just yet....I'm just hoping that the Lions players can experience what they so desperately need to feel.  Confidence.  A winning mentality.  An expectation to win.   And some of our players, including Avril, realizing their potential.   If they do, we are in for a fun ride to the top....gradual as it may be.  

Click here for more on why Avril could be in a for a much better season.   And what are your thoughts?

Perhaps spending all those draft picks on wide receivers is finally going to pay off in some kind of really odd, indirect fashion.  This season, the receivers are looking very active and strong, looking to help free up Megatron and allow Stafford to look elsewhere once in a while when he drops back.  Tom Kowalski wrote an article about his observations here.    It is just me, or are the Lions turning a lot of heads already in training camp that they don't normally.   Again, I am staying grounded and realize that they are a year or two away from serious playoff contention.   But they are going to surprise some people if teams aren't careful.   And by the way, on another positive note, Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade have both been mentioned by Calvin Johnson as having impressed him to some degree in the coverage abilities.   Definitely good to hear, at least.   

Click HERE for the link.

Clayton, like myself and some of you, is a bit worried about the Lions defense still not being enough to keep Stafford from having to win shootouts.  ESPN analysts have seemed fairly impressed with the offense, but that secondary is like a gapping hole and everyone across the league is aware of it.  

From the article:
"Head coach Jim Schwartz and general manager Martin Mayhew have replaced every defensive starter from the 2008 team. The struggle is in the back end of the defense. Safety Louis Delmas and middle linebacker DeAndre Levy are two mainstays in the middle of the back seven, but Schwartz and Mayhew need another year or two to upgrade outside linebacker, cornerback and the other safety spot. Julian Peterson, a former Pro Bowler, is a nice bridge for the next year or two until the Lions find the next linebacker who can rush the quarterback.

The secondary remains a primary concern. Chris Houston, Jonathan Wade, Eric King and third-round choice Amari Spievey are upgrades from 2009, but the position is so unstable the team had to make a late run to bring back former Lion Dre' Bly. The defensive line should be a strength with Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams and Sammie Lee Hill in the three-tackle rotation and Kyle Vanden Bosch rushing from defensive end."

I only post this because I've seen a notable number of people saying that this is a make or break year for the front office, which is absolutely absurd.  Yes, we should see improvement.  No, we don't need to be a playoff team to make substantial progress.  In my  opinion, 6-10 is a healthy season.  Anything more is bonus.   If we have another solid free agency and draft in 2011 like we have since Schwartz and Co. took over, watch out....the league just found themselves staring at a different Lions club.  Perhaps....just perhaps....that will be this year.  I'm hopeful just like many of you, but just trying to stay grounded.

I have just as many high hopes as many of you that the Lions are going to have a breakout season of sorts this year.  As a matter of fact, despite the concerns I will present here, they ought to make a lot of strides this year.  However, I am horribly concerned about our secondary still.  Louis Delmas is the only player I trust to make plays in the secondary.  Other than that, we don't have a lot to base our hopes on long-term.   I am aware that the defensive line's ability to apply pressure to the quarterback will help the secondary out, if they come through in that way.  But we have too many holes for my liking.  And this is why I still hold that we may not be the 8-8 team many of you have been saying we should be.  

CORNERBACKS
Chris Houston is young and perhaps promising.  But he has yet to truly turn heads in his three years in the NFL.  However, I do think he is one of the stronger pieces other than Delmas that we currently have.  Dre Bly is back with us, which is good for veteran leadership but not necessarily worth much on the field.  He was having decent enough years in Denver, but have a bit of a fallout year last year with the 49ers.   However, he seems very happy to be back in Detroit and that is always a plus for motivation.  Rookie Amari Speivey is promising but has yet to play a down, so we do not know what he is truly capable of, if anything.  As a rookie, he is going to have a learning curve, which equals plenty of mistakes.  

SAFETIES
Besides Delmas, I am not impressed at all here.   C.C. Brown is the only one that I think brings any real dynamic to the position, and that is based off one year he just had with the Giants in a more than decent defensive unit.  The rest of the safety list does not impress me at all.

I am not trying to be a debbie-downer here.  I just want to shed some light on the fact that we are going to have defensive struggles this year.   I feel like the kool-aid is being gulped by the gallon by some people who have recently started posting on here, so let's use some reason here.  

Yes, the Lions should be competitive.  Yes, we have good offensive weapons.  Yes, our defensive line is improved.   Yes, our record could be substantially improved this year if they gel it all together and create momentum.  But it's a marathon, folks.  Let's pace ourselves.  

The first real game is against Chicago at Soldier Field.  My opinion is that we have every right to go into that game feeling like we can surprise them and win the opener.  If we can pull that off, the momentum and confidence can carry us a good amount of the way!    So here's to taking it to Martz and Marinelli on Sept. 12th!

From Adam Schefter's Twitter feed:

Adam_Schefter     Some first-round deals likely to get done Saturday: DT Gerald McCoy and the Bucs, CB Kyle Wilson and the Jets.

To me, this would indicate that we shouldn't get our hopes too, too high that Suh will be signing that soon.   I have to say, I am slightly disappointed that Suh hasn't made more of an effort to get to camp on time.   This rookie holdout thing is a bunch of baloney.  I love me some Suh, don't get me wrong.  I am just frustrated.

I just wanted to invite everyone to join my Pro Football Pick'Em league on Yahoo.   It's free, and is just another way for everyone to enjoy the season.  You pick against the spread and apply confidence points to each pick.  Let's do this!  Only join if you believe you will be active.  The more competition, the merrier.  I don't believe there is a limit to how many people can join.  

GROUP ID# 1765

.   Password is golions.  

Pat Kirwan has posted an article about things to keep a close eye on during the upcoming NFL training camps.  The Lions are mentioned several times in the article for multiple reasons, including "Head Coach Jim Schwartz in his second year, free agent acquisitions and Detroit’s first-round draft choices, Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best."  

I note this article because many of the things being pointed out with the Lions training camp are things we've been noting over and over again.   Many of us are gun-shy because we've drank sour kool-aid for the past decade.  But it seems as though the media is even starting to take note of the Lions' aggressive moves over the past year or two.  No one expects playoffs from our beloved Pride, but they do seem to foresee an improved Lions team with a new mindset.  The media believes in Jim Schwartz based on his success with the Titans' and Ravens' defenses since 1996.  

They note continuity as one of the reasons the Lions will succeed if they continue on the path they follow right now.  Keeping the same coaches is essential for progress, especially if they are moving in the right direction...no matter how impatient we as fans like to be.  If the current basic Lions coaching staff can stick together for the foreseeable future, the team will develop strong in time.  

Another thing pointed out is the absolute positive feelings about both of our 1st round picks.  Ndamukong Suh has nothing but upside to him.   But Jahvid Best is much the same as Chris Johnson was coming out of college.  A seemingly-undersized running back with flashy speed and cutting skills.  Chris Johnson was picked late in the first round as well by the Titans, which motivated him even more to prove the teams that passed on him wrong.  Though I am not sure that Jahvid Best will be quite the caliber of CJ28, I think he's a special player.  He's getting a lot of attention from the media already, and sometimes that means they can see brilliance.  The Lions front office is obviously impressed already.  I'm excited to see him play.   And Kevin Smith will hopefully return healthy and ready to tag team as a tandem with Best.

Another thing noted is our front four, and how if they come together like they should, the rest of our 7 defensemen should benefit.   Go read for yourself!   A very interesting article.

I was taking another long look at the Lions schedule for this year.  Initially as the schedules were released, I was a bit worried that it was a very rough schedule.   And at further glances, it is a tough schedule to face for a team re-building like ours.  But I think there is some promise in it as well. 

ESPN just released its pre-season rankings, which I know are not the do-all, say-all of the way the season will pan out.  However, it is a general glimpse into the way teams are shaping up in the offseason. Out of the 16 games we play, half of them are against teams in the top 10...two of which being in our division (Packers, Vikings).  Our Thanksgiving Day game is against the Patriots, who rank #9 on this list.  We also face the Cowboys and Jets who are in the top 10 as well (4 and 7 respectively). 

However, we also face 5 teams in the bottom 12, including the Bears twice.  These are not guaranteed wins by any stretch of the imagination, but they are opportunities for the Lions to shine more than others.  Out of those 5 teams, 3 of them are the bottom 3...the Rams, Bills, and Bucs.  All three of those should be victories, but the Rams beat us last year at home for their only win of the season.  So, it is not a given. 

2010 Opponents:

• Bears - #21
• Vikings - #3
• Packers - #6
• Eagles - #17
• Rams - #32
• Giants - #16
• Redskins - #20
• Jets - #7
• Bills - #31
• Cowboys - #4
• Patriots - #9
• Buccaneers - #30
• Dolphins - #13

What I would give for some surprise upsets and a major divisional stance by the Lions.   If we could hold our own, go 3-3 in the division, we could easily go 6-10 or 7-9.   Easily.  But it's all about that defense.

I think Ndamukong Suh is special.   Real special.   Seems like an obvious statement, right?  I think we got a steal at #2.   That's how much of a steal I think he is.  He's committed, determined, capable, strong, fast, mentally tough, mature, and focused.  As the Lions approach time to have him put pen to paper, there has been little discussion of whether he will make too much.   People just want him in camp.   There is a reason for that.  NO ONE is talking about Gerald McCoy.   Perhaps that is a mistake on the part of the media.   I am sure McCoy will be great too for Tampa Bay.  But Suh is something special.   He's going to be really good for Detroit.  Good defensive players will want to play next to him as he grows in the NFL.   

In light of him OFFICIALLY becoming a part of the Pride, let's check out some videos that exhibit exactly why this man is a MONSTER.   

1.  Ndamukong Suh preparing for the 2010 NFL Combine at Michael Johnson Performance:

2.  Suh Making Sure Colt McCoy has Nightmares of the #93 for Years to Come:

I have to say....I get chills listening to the Husker fans yelling SUUUUUUUUUUUH when he gets in on the play...it's something I hope to hear for years to come in Ford Field.

3.  Ndamukong Suh INT vs. Colorado for a TD:

4.  Suh as a WR - - - TD catch vs. Kansas

5.  And just for recent nostalgia's sake:

And let me also say this..........Jahvid Best is going to be good too.   Remember, Chris Johnson had ALL KINDS of criticism coming out of college about how he was too small.  He's now the most talented RB in the league.  I'm just saying.   Best has impressed so far.  We could have two VERY special players on our hands from one round of drafting.

Projections are coming out (as to be expected) now that training camp is approaching.  Of course, after training camp, more projections will emerge.  But how do our Lions shape up in the minds of so-called experts? 

1. Shutdown Corner - Detroit Lions 2010
   
2. Bleacher Report
3. Associated Content from Yahoo - Todd Pfeifer

Those are just a few of the ones I haven't seen floated around just yet on this site.   I even made my own projection earlier in the month where I said the Lions could go 7-9, admitting that it was a bit optimistic.  The best projection I have seen so far from people in the media is 6-10. The lowest I have seen is 3-13.  So, it would be safe to say we should all be expecting a 5-11 season, perhaps.   Maybe 4-12.  It just all depends on how it all comes together.

We as Lions fans need to continue to have what I have seen referred to as "biblical patience."   Matt Millen screwed the team up royally...taking us to the lowest of lows.   But look how far we've come mentally and talent-wise since just two years ago.  New franchise QB who has the league's respect, two really good WRs, our running game is looking up, the defense is shaping up, and we are talking about 6-10 seasons while the team itself is talking playoffs (which I would hope they would...but it shows the mentality). 

We have a lot to be thankful for right now.  And it resides in the front office with Mayhew, Lewand, and Jim Schwartz.  Linehan and Cunningham are here for another year and hopefully will continue to stay and build.  We got rid of Stan Kwan FINALLY.  

It might be another rough year record-wise.   But for me, we could go 3-13 or 4-12 and I would content enough if I could see growth on the field.  If we are competitive and making a statement, the record doesn't matter this year; because I think next year is when we make the statement of all statements....that we have arrived and we're taking the Black and Blue division from Cutler cry-babies, Favre wanna-bes, and 98 year old quarterbacks that can't admit it's time to call it a career.  Packers, Bears, and Vikings fans couldn't handle the bad years we've endured.  The major majority of them would abandon their teams.   I see it all the time living in the Chicago area.  They cry and whine over spilt milk.  Cutler has a bad game, and they're calling for his head...and then he goes out and wins a game, and he is suddenly their favorite player.  It's unbelievable sometimes.

I'm good with being patient and letting the team rebuild THE RIGHT WAY....because I know that means more permanent success in the future.

RESTORE THE ROAR!

I have not posted on here in a while.  It's time to get some things off my chest. 

I will try not to do too much repeating of the themes that have been discussed thoroughly on this blog.  My main goal is to access where we are as a team realistically and apply that to the upcoming schedule we face. 

Offensively, I feel we are as strong as we've been in years.  We have a very promising and confident sophomore (and mostly healthy) QB in Matthew Stafford; Our strongest backup QB that I can remember is with us in Shaun Hill; Our running back options are promising but remain to be proven (though I have big hopes for Jahvid Best and Kevin Smith as a tandem)...not to mention the veteran presence of Maurice Morris; Our WR core is excellent....I think the addition of Nate Burleson alone is the best thing that could've happened to Megatron.  Plus, we have other decent receivers in Bryant Johnson and Derrick Williams (whom I feel should not be released yet).  Having the likes of Burleson and CJ as your top receivers can automatically make the other receivers better; Our TE position is also as tough as its been in years.  If Pettigrew can get healthy, we have three impressive options.   Our offensive line still needs a decent amount of work if you ask me, but I loved the fact that they brought in Rob Sims.  I feel he helps out Backus on Stafford's blindside a lot.  I also trust in Linehan and feel he will be able to be a bit more coordinated this year than last.  He did a good job in his first year with a questionable offense, so it should improve from there.

Defensively, it's a bit of a different story.  Our defensive line is the great honolulu blue hope for the D.  Let's face it...Kyle Vanden Bosch is still very skilled, brings a lot of leadership and attitude to the locker room, and can still get the job done.  But he's older.  He's not a long term fix, but I feel like he has a new start...a new outlook and is ready to lead a team that needs his type of leadership.  Corey Williams is a guy who I feel can be big for us, especially considering he is returning to his old scheme that he is more comfortable with.   I really feel good about him, especially on a line of hungry linemen like we have.  Ndamukong Suh is going to be a beast.  Period.  He seems smarter than most rookies.  He's got a good, balanced head on his shoulders.  He's not afraid.  Though he is a rookie and will likely experience some growing pains, I feel he will have an immediate impact.  The fact that our D-line is more improved should allow for other players to flourish in the defense.  The linebacker situation, though questionable, is promising.  DeAndre Levy and Julian Peterson should provide versatility behind the line.  I am really hoping Zack Follett comes out strong and ready to go, but if he doesn't, we have other options as well.  He's a passionate player so I think he will do fine with some time to learn.  Louis Delmas is going to have a huge year, I can just  feel it.  And veterans Chris Houston and Dre Bly should provide intelligent play in the backfield.   Though our defense is improved, it still has holes.  Bly is not an ideal CB...we have a considerable hole opposite of Delmas as strong safety as we all know...our secondary has been known to give up huge plays fairly consistently.   All of this hopefully can be mostly solved with reasonably solid defensive line play.   But that is yet to be proven. And if we can't stop the TE option any better than we have the past couple of years, we are in for another bad season defensively.

As a realist, I know that with all of the new players, it takes time to gel everything together.  These are talented guys, but the likelihood of everyone being able to become one unit in a matter of weeks is lower than we'd like to admit.  With that said, on paper, we are improved.  There's no question about it.  We have more firepower on offense...defenses have to be more honest with our weapons...and QBs (hopefully) will be more rushed to make decisions faster against us.  However, we also face a very tough schedule...so much so that I worry that our record will not reflect how improved we are as a team.  But, there's no excuses in all reality...if you are going to be better, you have to beat better teams. Sadly, it will be another season of our offense having to outrun our defensive errors, especially in the secondary.  The continuity of having Gunther in there for the second straight year will be a dire advantage.

My Predictions for 2010

Week 1 @ Chicago --  The Bears had a semi-quiet offseason, though they did sign Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor.  I am not so sure that Peppers is the acquisition they are hoping for, however.  He's a great player, but not necessarily a game-changer.  Jay Cutler makes bad decisions under pressure, and Martz will have him throwing a lot more....which could be good or bad for us depending on our defensive line's debut performance.  Also, being the first game of the year, anything can happen as teams shake off their rust a little more.  I feel like the Lions can surprise in Week 1 and defeat Chicago at Soldier Field....by a field goal.     
Lions 20   Bears 17;    Record 1-0

Week 2 vs. Philadelphia -- The Eagles are clearly a better team than Chicago, even with the departure of McNabb.  I am pretty positive that Kolb won't be a total flop with all the tools around him...he'll be Sanchez-like, in my opinion.  Not that great, not that bad.  Ernie Sims will return to Detroit hoping to beat us.  He'll be hungry for a win.  Also, Asante Samuel is obviously something to worry about for Stafford if he's under pressure.  DeSean Jackson is a major threat to our secondary, and I feel he and Brent Celek will make the difference for Philly.  
Eagles 28  Lions 17;  Record  1-1

Week 3 @ Minnesota -- The return of Brett Favre will be dubious for us once again.  He's good at finding ways to beat us.  However, Suh would LOVE to sack him...as would KVB.  They can't overcommit with the presence of Adrian Peterson in the backfield, and the Vikings crowd is a tough one to play in front of....so I feel like this is a lost game for us.  I feel like our offense can hang with their defense reasonably, but Favre will find a way to beat our D.  
Vikings 24  Lions 17;  Record 1-2

Week 4 @ Green Bay -- Good.  We get all three away games in our division out of the way early.  The last time the Lions won at Lambeau was December 15, 1991 when they defeated the Packers 21-17 (hence my point with Favre).  That's ANCIENT history.   Aaron Rodgers is proving to be just as tough as Favre at times, and definitely against the Lions.  He obviously doesn't respect the Lions (based on his comments), and has a lot of confidence against them.  The losing streak in Wisconsin will continue.  Packers are a strong Super Bowl contender.  We are not....yet. 
Packers 31  Lions 24;  Record 1-3

Week 5 vs. St. Louis  --  Let's not overlook this game.  The Rams' only win last year was against none other than Detroit....thanks in large part to Steven Jackson.  However, the Lions will be facing another putrid Rams team most likely.   IF the Lions come out and play their best, they should win this game.  They will be the favorites.  They need to play like they are the favorites.  Stafford can have a field day with the right type of focus...and Suh can have his best game of the year thus far against Bradford.   I predict a Lions team coming out hungry for a win after a tough start to the season against very good teams.
Lions 38  Rams 17;  Record 2-3

Week 6 @ NY Giants --  Another tough, tough game.  Though they lost, the Lions hung with the Giants well the year they won the Super Bowl against the undefeated Pats.  Antonio Pierce recently retired...their offense is not as strong as in years past (though still very respectable).   I think Jahvid Best could have a big game against the Giants, which will help Stafford and the passing game.  Also, I think it's possible the Giants could be overlooking the Lions at this point being that they play @ Dallas in their next game.  It will be a good game.  One of the more respectable ones for the Lions up to this point maybe.   I will go ahead with my gut...Lions upset the Giants barely.
Lions 21   Giants 20;  Record 3-3

Week 7   BYE  --- Okay...so not bad....it could go either way with the difficulty of the schedule.  They could just as easily be 1-5 at this point and still be worthy of a 3-3 record.  So we'll see how it truly unfolds, but I'll be optimistic while still being realistic. 

Week 8  vs. Washington -- This is not the same team we faced in Week 3 of 2009.  McNabb brings a winning ability that Jason Campbell just did not have.  Granted, his weapons are not AS plentiful as they were for years in Philly.  And their defense could still use some work.  McNabb has burned us in the past, and I feel like he could do the same in this game.  However, Stafford, Best, CJ, and Burleson will be able to pick apart the Redskins D all the same.  I predict a scorcher....coming out in the Lions' favor because of homefield advantage.  Keep in mind, I am fully aware that the Redskins could win this game too.  But I feel the Lions can pull it off simply due to being in Detroit.  
Lions 41  Redskins 35;  Record 4-3


Week 9 vs. NY Jets -- Let me say this first.  Mark Sanchez could be the most overrated QB in the league.  He strikes me as being in a very fortunate situation, and that only got better in this offseason.  Santonio Holmes, LaDanian Tomlinson, the return of Braylon Edwards and Shonn Greene, a SOLID defense.  He's being given the keys to a car that drives itself.   Matthew Stafford is a far more talented QB.  With that said, the Lions will have their hands absolutely full against the Jets.  And I hate it for Stafford's image because I know he's better.  Hopefully the NFL world will still be able to see through that fog too.  And BTW, I can't stand Rex Ryan.
Jets 28  Lions 13; Record 4-4

Week 10 @ Buffalo  --  In my opinion, the Bills are going to be another putrid team and a perfect opportunity for us to get a win.  The key is to not overlook them....and to not let the weather and atmosphere in Buffalo take over our ability to play.   We SHOULD win this game.  Hands down.  I will give it to us for that reason.  But I know perfectly well that this doesn't constitute a win.   (see above mention of Rams game from 2009). 
Lions 27  Bills 14;  Record 5-4

Week 11 @ Dallas  ---  We've had a tendency to play well against the Cowboys in recent years.   Facing two former Lions will be kind of interesting if they are still with the team (Kitna and R. Williams).  I actually feel like we can compete in this game, but Dallas will be the victors. 
Cowboys 24  Lions 17; Record 5-5

Week 12 @ New England --  Thanksgiving Day against one of the more seasoned teams in the league.  Honestly, I don't think we stand a chance.  Brady and company will be looking to make a statement.  The Lions should be too, but we'll see how it goes. 
Patriots 27  Lions 13;  Record 5-6

Week 13 vs. Chicago -- They will look for revenge and may be searching for positioning for the playoffs.  A win against us this late in the season would be a great thing for them.  However, Cutler and Martz try too hard and screw it up for them.  Delmas has a career day.
Lions 21  Bears 20; Record 6-6

Week 14 vs. Green Bay -- The Packers will still be playing their starters at this point in the season so we can't hope for that.  I think they will be the hands down division winners this year, and possible Super Bowl champions.  With this kind of respect for them, I say Packers win soundly.
Packers 42  Lions 24;  Record 6-7

Week 15 @ Tampa Bay -- Josh Freeman's performance as starting QB will be completely dependent on the development of this team's confidence through the season.  They are ranked dead last by many power ranking lists, but that doesn't mean too terribly much about their talent.  In the NFL, it's all about confidence and cohesion.  Still, the Lions should win if they are on top of their game.  
Lions 28  Buccaneers 20;  Record 7-7

Week 16 @ Miami  --  Tough game to have this late in the year.  Miami is a strong team and confident as well.  I think they will be legitimate contenders for their division, even with the Jets and Patriots being strong as well.  Our defense will have its hands full...and the offense may struggle a bit.  
Dolphins 31  Lions 20;  Record 7-8

Week 17 vs. Minnesota -- We can only hope that the Vikings have packed it in at this point as the division winners.  However, I feel like they will still be fighting for a position in the playoffs and therefore will be going all out assault on both sides of the ball. 
Vikings 30 Lions 20;  Record 7-9

7-9 would be a HUGE improvement.   So huge that I think I was a bit optimistic in my predictions.  However, IF things are flowing this year, we have every opportunity to be this and more.  However, it is also likely that we could easily be 4-12.   If we are, I can chalk it up to a tough schedule.   I think this team is wanting to win and win now.  That is why I am hoping for a different Lions team on the field.  Once they get rolling, watch out.   It's hard to stop a locomotive when it's got momentum.   The Lions just need to find some early on.

Here's to restoring the roar....one step at a time!