5 Observations from a Rookie Detroit Lions Fan

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

It's been a great season of NFL, one which I will sorely miss once the Super Bowl is done and dusted.

As an Englishman, I have grown up playing and watching soccer. I didn't bother to acknowledge the NFL until the opening day of the regular season.

I've clearly been missing a lot over the years—it's a compelling and exciting sport. I now rue the fact that I have to stay awake so late to catch the games. The ESPN subscription is killing my bank balance, too.

I chose the Detroit Lions as my team and I've been watching them intently.

Here are five observations I've made on the franchise whilst I've been getting to know the rules, regulations and tactics of the NFL.

Calvin Johnson Is Unreal

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Shall we start with the obvious?

Calvin Johnson, also known to my delight as "Megatron," is quite simply an unbelievable athlete.

I've seen plenty of agile, strong soccer players but I've never seen anything like the No. 1 Detroit Lions wide receiver.

He is my favourite player in the NFL and I managed to secure him in both my fantasy football leagues for the season. He helped me win both.

With Some Injury Luck, the Lions Can Take Another Step

Leon Halip/Getty Images

The injuries certainly hindered the Lions this season and while Matthew Stafford started every game, a streak of bad luck ran through a few other positions.

Mikel Leshoure and Jahvid Best suffered long-term injuries which seriously harmed the running game. The playoff game at the Super Dome highlighted the Lions' inability to run the rock.

This is an issue that can be resolved with healthy running backs in 2012.

Some Defensive Recruits Are Needed

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Watching the Detroit Lions against the New Orleans Saints was a little bit painful. It was great to see the Lions make the playoffs, although I've not shared the pain many of you have over the last decade or so.

Drew Brees threw for huge yardage as he torched the Lions secondary. Darren Sproles, exciting and explosive as he is, had it too easy.

I don't know if free agency or the draft is the best way to go about addressing this as I've not experienced either period yet. I'll be watching on with interest, hopefully the Lions can secure an outside linebacker and a cornerback to keep me happy.

Is a Contingency Plan Needed for Ndamukong Suh?

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Looking for a bit of advice and clarification on this one actually.

My limited knowledge of the salary cap and how it takes its toll on a franchise leads me to believe that the big bucks will be heading the way of Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford.

Does this mean the Lions would elect to cut Ndamukong Suh at some point as they wouldn't be able to sustain his salary demands? After all, he's touted as one of the best defensive tackles to have developed in decades.

If this was the case, will the Lions be looking to the 2012 NFL draft to shore up the depth chart in defense?

The Lions Need a Killer Tight End

Al Bello/Getty Images

2011 was the year of the tight end.

Brandon Pettigrew picked up consistent receptions throughout the season but rarely hit the heady heights as other players in his position. Tony Scheffler is not a long-term, exciting solution.

Vernon Davis, Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski all had standout seasons. A lot more was expected of Jermichael Finley and the Lions could join the party.

Matthew Stafford throws a tight spiral and short, sharp receptions from a tight end would split the defense more than it would by recruiting another wide receiver to share Megatron's load.

I could be wrong on this, but I do think the Lions would benefit greatly from a big presence down the middle with the ability to leap and bring in a catch.