2011 Ranks
Total Offense: 5
Run Offense: 29
Pass Offense: 4
Scoring Offense: 4
Total Defense: 23
Run Defense: 23
Pass Defense: 22
Scoring Defense: 23
What a difference a year can make. Last year, everyone was concerned about Matt Stafford’s ability to survive a whole season without getting injured. Now, Stafford is being elevated into the discussion as one of the top five quarterbacks in the league. I’ll be the first to admit that having Calvin Johnson, who is hands down the best receiver in the league, certainly makes any quarterback better. Stafford is very good, but the Lions are going to have to find some semblance of a running game if they want to keep defenses on their heels.
The Lions front 4 is easily one of the best in the game and they are strong down the middle with Stephen Tulloch anchoring the MLB position and Louis Delmas at safety, who might just be the best safety in the division. On the outside, the Lions could still use some help. They had one of the worst pass defenses in the league last year and didn’t do a whole lot to improve it heading into this season. With Cliff Avril, Kyle Vanden Bosh and Ndamukong Suh on the front line though, they can get enough pressure that their secondary doesn’t have to hold coverage for very long.
The Lions posted their first winning season in over a decade and made the playoffs for the first time since 1999. They enter the season with some injuries, particularly at running back. They still aren’t an incredibly deep team but their starters have a ton of talent. They should be right in the thick of things for the playoff race once again.
A slight step back, but they’ll still be right in the conversation for the playoffs. 9-7
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