Lions Starting All Over, Don't Expect Much

Yes Lions fans another new coach. With him the same as all the others, praise from former players and coaches. It is hard to not get slightly optimistic, after all this man came from a good coaching tree, learning from one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, Bill Belichick and Jeff Fischer the longest tenured coach in the NFL. Although his references are impressive lets not forget about a coach who also came from a good coaching tree and had already proven success, Mariucci.

When Mariucci was fired from the San Francisco shockwaves were sent through the NFL. There was talk by so many journalists as to why the 49ers organization would let a proven coach go. He was quickly hired by the Lions and their inept president Matt Millen. Over three years not a single winning season, or a .500 season. What continued was three years of below average performance, a team with a serious lack of talent and a quarterback that just could not get it done.

The Lions are walking into the same situation. Although hopes are high, Lions fans need to be more realistic. A team that finished last in practically every statistical category and lost all of its games will not change over night. There are still major questions the team must address. The defense, Julian Peterson will help but the team needs a lot more than him, defensive line help and defensive back help. They didn’t fully address those needs in the off season and the draft, and don‘t think the draft picks will make a major impact in their rookie seasons. The offensive line, which has been a serious weak spot since Millen started, didn’t get a serious upgrade. However Lions fans can hope that, the line plays together better under new coaching.

Fortunately the Lions hit rock bottom last season, there isn’t anywhere to go but up, yes even one win is an improvement over last season. If I was to give them a win total four to me would be a major improvement and six would be exceeding expectations greatly. In order for them to do that they must play beyond their limits all season. The offense will have to grow tremendously during training camp and the defense must play hard every down. Yes that sounds like most other teams in the NFL, the Lions however, haven‘t down that since their little NFC Championship game season when Barry Sanders was in his prime. Lions fans must remember to not get there hopes up, don’t think you are Miami or Atlanta they actually had talent, the Lions are still trying to acquire some.