When you're as bad as the Detroit Lions have been for the past 50 years things can only improve, right?
Having only won one playoff game since 1957, coming in 1991 against the Dallas Cowboys, something has to give, right?
Well, quarterback Jon Kitna thinks so.
Kitna has made the 10-win prediction for the second year in a row. The first prediction in the 07/08 NFL season ended with 7-9 record.
The Lions at midpoint of the 07/08 season were 6-2 and it looked as though Kitna's prediction would come true, but down the stretch the Lions dropped six consecutive losses and consequently dropped out of the playoffs.
They tied for the third toughest schedule in the league though, with their opponents finishing 139/117 for a win percentage of .543.
Along the way they beat the playoff bound Tampa Bay Buccaneers and took three of six divisional games, including two wins against the Chicago Bears.
I took a look at the Lions' upcoming schedule and some possible scenarios that could result in wins.
Remember the the Lions' schedule isn't in this order.
First off, they play a Favreless Green Bay Packers team twice—a team who could struggle if quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggles in his first year at the helm.
They play the Atlanta Falcons once...enough said.
They play the Chicago Bears twice. This team seems to have hit their prime a couple of years ago with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Superbowl 41.
Finally they play the Houston Texans once, as well as the San Fransisco 49ers.
So when I take some of those things into consideration and look again at the other teams the Lions play (Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Buccaneers, Saints, Panthers, Vikings twice, and the Redskins) I have a hard time seeing anything more than a six to seven win season.
The Lions do have the firepower to win some games. Receivers Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey, Roy Williams, and Shuan McDonald provide decent targets for Jon Kitna.
But Kitna is no Peyton Manning or Tom Brady and the Lions will have to score like the Colts or Pats just to stay alive. I don't see that happening at all.
Although Jon Kitna does have a lion's heart it just won't be enough to prevent another disappointing year for Lions' fans.
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2 months ago
Did you say Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams are "decent targets"? DUDE, that's like saying Payton Manning is a "decent passer". At least give them some credit.
-Socalionsfan
from 2 months ago
Roy Williams had 5 tds 61 receptions in 12 games while Calvin Johnson had 4 touchdowns and 48 receptions in 15 games Shuan McDonald had 6 touchdowns and 79 receptions in 16 games not too bad looks as though the lions spread the ball around well. I don't know where you get the comparison of the Lions receivers talent level to Peyton Manning though.
from 2 months ago
You make good points and this is a well-written article. Also, your counterpoints about the receivers are good, although I think they do not tell the whole story. I agree with Gil's assessment that Williams and Johnson are more than decent targets (that might describe Furry more: a lot of catches, but pedestrian overall--takes advantage of holes the other guys create well), but they certainly don't compare as receivers to Manning as a passer. NOW FOR THE OBLIGATORY PACKERS' FAN/BAY AREA INHABITANT DERROGATORY REMARK: But cut him some slack, he's not only a Lions' fan, but lives in SoCal! (Gil, if you like hockey, you can just cut me back with a Sharks' remark...)
2 months ago
Roy Williams had 5 touchdowns 61 receptions in 12 games while Calvin Johnson had 4 touchdowns and 48 receptions in 15 games Shuan McDonald had 6 touchdowns and 79 receptions in 16 games not too bad it looks as though the Lions spread the ball around well. I don't know where you get the comparison of the Lions receivers to Peyton Manning though.
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