Detroit Lions: 2009 Season Outlook

A year removed from the most pathetic single season in NFL history, let's take solace in the fact that it's literally impossible for the Detroit Lions to be any worse than they were a year ago. That means the theoretical bar is already set about as low as it can be, which should help to somewhat-taper off our expectations as fans.

But for all the people who yearn for that elusive lone victory and nothing more just to save face, a different camp of Lions' supporters exists.

These are the ones who are fed up with the team, the ownership, the entire front office, the coaches, the players and everything else about the organization as a whole. Heck, even the logo (maybe that's why they changed it?).

To be honest, all Detroit fans have a little bit of this aforementioned person in their system. How could we not? This team hasn't been relevant since the Barry Sanders days, and this sour taste in our mouths is starting to get annoying.

So all of those optimists hoping for an Atlanta Falcons-type rise to the playoffs might need to cool their jets. Those preparing a celebratory bash for when Detroit finally wins a game can probably tap those kegs a bit early as well, since the true answer for Detroit's 2009 season lies somewhere in between those two extremes.

Offensively, the entire unit is a nice upgrade across the board over last season. Whether it's Matthew Stafford or Daunte Culpepper who starts the year under center shouldn't really matter. Just having Stafford waiting in the wings is good enough for me.

The Lions didn't have a future franchise quarterback itching for playing time last year, that is unless you were in the small minority who thought Dan Orlovsky was actually up for the job.

The fact is, Stafford's presence adds a whole new sense of urgency to the offense. It should also help to raise Culpepper's game the most, which can only help Detroit win football games if he's actually out there playing well and holding onto the job.

Whoever has the luxury of throwing the ball to Calvin Johnson is an extremely lucky man, since the Pro Bowl wideout appears ready to take the next step towards elite level status in '09.

An improved offensive line, a beefed up running back corps and underrated yet experienced group of receivers round out the rest of the offense. Rookie Brandon Pettigrew also has the potential to open eyes, since he's really the only option the Lions can even consider at the #1 tight end spot.

Points might not be that hard to come by for this group, it's the defense that scares the heck out of everyone.

On the defensive side of the ball the scheme change should be evident right away. Past acquisitions that attempted to give the Lions more speed didn't exactly work out too well, and Detroit did their best to change towards a physical nature of play this offseason. The first thing you'll notice is the additions to the linebacker position.

Michigan natives Julian Peterson and Larry Foote were brought in to add grit, leadership and depth to a unit that just hasn't been able to stay healthy in recent years.

While the Lions needed the help at linebacker pretty badly, the biggest problem from a year ago was that every single opposing receiver somehow had 10 yards of wide open space consistently on passing downs.

Adding rookie safety Louis Delmas with the first pick in the second round made perfect sense (it even hit a home run with WMU alumns like yours truly!), and Delmas has the relentless work ethic to evolve into a Bob Sanders type of player over time.

The trade to land Anthony Henry from Dallas plus subtle free agent pick-ups Eric King and Phillip Buchanan all represent low-risk moves that have the potential to pay large dividends.

This gives Detroit more than just a handful of corners who can start games when called upon. Just because there's not a legit No. 1 corner on this roster doesn't mean that they won't be able to play serviceable defense in tight games.

All in all, the outlook heading into Detroit's '09 season is actually pretty bright. Many of the players who had become stagnant with consistent losing in previous years are off the roster, and low-risk, underrated veterans have been been added in their place.

Don't go crazy and expect something unreasonable when watching this team play this year, but six or seven wins might actually be a fair prediction.