Detroit Lions Defense? What's That?

The Detroit Lions offense is finally becoming what Lions fans have waited far too long for: a success.

Jon Kitna is throwing well, Calvin Johnson proves to be a very valuable addition to the team, and, with the selection of tackle Gosder Cherilus in this year's draft, things are beginning to brighten up.

Of course, in order to maintain a good offense, sacrifices are to be made. But just how many sacrifices are the Lions able to make? One thing's for sure, the defense is where they are hurting the most.

This Detroit defense has taken a turn for the worst; pro bowler Shaun Rogers was traded to the Cleveland Browns after the season for a third-round draft pick and cornerback Leigh Bodden.

Rogers, a 340-pound defensive tackle, was drafted out of Texas by the Lions in the 2001 NFL Draft. During his rookie year, he accumulated an astonishing 97 tackles in one season, which was the most in the NFL at the position. His size gives him the ability to push right through any offensive line, which usually causes the offense to put two tackles or guards on Rogers in order to stop him.

Shaun Rogers isn't the entire Lions defense, I know that, but my question is: "Do the Lions have what it takes to make it to the playoffs this year even with a suffering defense?"  

Well, I think they do have a chance at it, if they play like they did for the first half of last season, when they went 6-2. Lions fans are sick of seeing these failures and letdowns, and would like to see the team make it to the playoffs like they have before.

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