Ndamukong Suh: What The Lions Need To Do In Order To Improve Next Year

The Detroit Lions have made drastic improvements compared to last year.

So far they have won five games. That is the best they have done in years. There is no denying it the Lions are slowly becoming a threat. 

They broke their winless road streak and won their first back-to-back games in years; however, the Detroit Lions have much to improve on of they want to do better.

These is the five things they need to do in order to improve.

5: Let Drew Stanton Go

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 12: Drew Stanton #5 of the Detroit Lions is congragulated by Matthew Stafford #9 and Shaun Hill #14 after a fourth quarter touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on December 12, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won

When Matthew Stafford was injured, both Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton stepped up and took over the as the Lions starting quarterback.

Both displayed an incredible amount of skill, but I believe that Shaun Hill should stay. Stanton is good—he has legs and is not afraid to use them; however, the Lions defense was in full swing when he played.

In the beginning of the season, the Lions defense was just getting used to each other. It takes time to build chemistry.

Stanton was just there at the right time. He had the support. He was the man for the job and now it is time to let him go. 

4: Free Agency

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 26: Linebacker DeAndre Levy #54 of the Detroit Lions runs in the game winning interception against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Lions defeated the Dolphins 34-27. (Photo by Marc Sero

Pick up some help for Calvin Johnson and Suh.

Now, both Johnson and Suh have some support, but other teams know to just cover Johnson and watch out for Suh; then the Lions are in trouble.

They are, in part, right. 

Perhaps the younger players will develop, but I would not risk it and sign somebody for a short-term contract until they are ready.

3: Special Teams

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Jim Schwartz of the Detroit Lions reacts on a play near the goal line while playing the New England Patriots on November 25, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Lions have won because of special teams.

Almost all Lions wins had been tight ones and most of their losses were close.  Sometimes they were dependent on a field goal.

If the Lions keep it up, they should win more games. 

2: Keep Improving The Offense. Keeping Johnson Happy

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 14: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions catches a pass between Donte Whitner #20 and Leodis McKelvin #28 of the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won 14-12. (P

The Lions defense are looking good.

If the Lions keep their defense the same, they should be fine, but one of the most important things to improve is offense.

Johnson did say in an interview earlier this year that he does not like to lose. No player does, but the question he was answering was in reference to playing for the Lions once his contract expires.

Losing Johnson would be one of the worst things for Detroit. Keeping him happy should be one of their main focuses, and the only way to do that is by improving the offense. 

1: Teaching Matthew Stafford How To Take a Hit

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions sits on the bench in the 3rd quarter after being injured during the NFL season opening game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.

Matthew Stafford was drafted as a new hope for the Lions. He was the figure face of change. He was going to make Lions fans proud to call themselves Lions fans.

There is only one problem—he in injury prone.

There is nothing more frustrating then watching your starting quarterback get sidelined due to injury. 

The Lions need to teach Stafford how to take a hit, because if they do not, Lions fans may ask for him to be traded.