Law of Averages Says the Detroit Lions Should Improve in 2009

As they seek to improve in 2009, the Detroit Lions have added a high first-round draft choice and several established veterans via trades and free agency. They hired a well-respected assistant as their new head coach, along with coordinators who’ve enjoyed success with other teams. The team sports a new attitude and optimism for a brighter future.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Yes, we’ve been here before. Lions fans have frequently pinned their hopes on high-priced rookies, well-known free agents and coaches with great resumes, only to end the season without a playoff berth, or worse – without a victory, as in 2008.

After last year’s winless season the Lions are bound to be a bit better in 2009. But given the lack of talent at some key positions, a 2008-Dolphins-like improvement seems unlikely.

Realistically, the best the Lions can hope for in 2009 is a quick transition to the new coaching staff, resulting in the team playing competitive football all season and winning a few games. Unlike his predecessor, Rod Marinelli, head coach Jim Schwartz has hired top assistants who share his temperament and philosophy, led by offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham. This should produce a smoother transition when compared with recent Lions coaching staffs.

However, coaching staff cohesion can’t make up for a lack of talent in the trenches. Detroit’s lines were ineffective in 2008 and haven’t been upgraded significantly in 2009. Injuries at those positions would be devastating.

To exceed expectations the Lions will have to remain relatively healthy. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper must regain at least some of the flash he showed in Minnesota, where Linehan was Culpepper’s offensive coordinator. The Lions must also maintain a strong running attack in order to avoid poor down-and-distance situations that would allow pass rushers to tee off on Culpepper.

Defensively, the Lions will rely on a top-flight linebacker corps of Ernie Sims and the newly-acquired Larry Foote and Julian Peterson. That trio must make up for some of the front four’s deficiencies against the run. The linebackers must also put pressure on opposing quarterbacks with effective blitzes.

If the Lions exceed expectations in 2009, it’ll happen because at least one of their lines stepped up their play. If that occurs, the Lions will have genuine reasons for optimism heading into 2010, provided they continue to upgrade their personnel in the post-Matt Millen era.