5 Reasons Why the Lions WIll (Or WIll Not) Make The Playoffs

   Out with the old in with the new. The Detroit Lions have completely reshaped their team in almost every way. The most surprising part about this? The moves are all improvements to their team from the previous year. That being said, I believe there are still some potential setbacks for the Lions to that may prevent a comeback. I have complied a top five list of why the Lions will make the playoffs, and a top five list of why the Lions will not make the playoffs.

   First off, the top five reasons why the Lions will make the playoffs.

5. They play in the NFC North.

The NFC North is arguably the worst division in all of football. Each year, it seems there is the Packers, the Vikings and the Bears all fighting for the playoffs until the very last game. That means most of these teams are really close to .500. Which means you can have a bad season in this division and still make the playoffs.

4. New G.M. And New Coach.

Jim Schwartz was the best defensive coach last year. The only reason why the Titans were so good was because of the defense. Also, he isn't a washed up coach either. When we received Mike Martz, Rod Marinelli and Mooch, what did they all have in common? They all were coming off an unsuccessful season.

Also, the new G.M., Martin Mayhew, has made some incredible trades for players I thought were going to be released before next season. Guys like Jon Kitna, Roy Williams and Cory Redding. In return, we got a great tight end, a decent starting cornerback and one of the greatest linebackers in the game today.

3. The passing game

Culpepper will be fresh this season. He is in great shape, and he will know the playbook better. Also, if that fails, the Lions also have Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the draft. The weapons on this team are eye appealing too. Calvin Johnson is one of the best young wide receivers in the game, and finally he got some back up. Playing behind him will be a big target in Bryant Johnson, and a highlight machine in Ronald Curry.

2. Brandon Pettigrew.

A tight end is the most underrated position in football. A tight end is huge for a successful passing game, along with a success full running game. It gives the quarterback an extra option when scanning the field. This will quickly eliminate a lot of sacks. Also, with linebackers starting to focus on Pettigrew, it will open up more holes for running back Kevin Smith.

1. The Defense

The Lions had the worst defense in the NFL last year, period. This team could not stop anybody. However, suddenly, after a couple of trades and signings, the Lions have one of the better linebacker cores in the league. Also, the Lions will be switching to a man to man defense, which I believe will eliminate the big plays and cause more turnovers.

Louis Delmas is also said to be a great run stopper and a huge hitter. Cliff Avril will also be great on the line, as well more than likely piling up double digit sacks next year. Everywhere you look on defense, it's improved. This is why i think if the lions make the playoffs next year the defense will be huge for the turn around.

Alright, alright. The Lions were 0-16 last year. The playoffs seem impossible after that horrible season. So here a five reasons why the Lions won't make the playoffs next season.

5. They're the Lions

The Lions have always been bad. Even when they were kind of good, they were bad. It seems that this team will never succeed and that could be right. Clay Ford has been the owner with the team since 63. What has he done since then? Won one playoff game. By the way, did I mention the lions already have as many wins as they did last year?

4. Offensive Line

The Lions have signed some guys in free agency at this position, but nobody worth throwing a starting job at. All these guys are either average or worst. Plus the Lions have gave up 50 plus sacks every year for the last three years.

3. What happens if Calvin Johnson gets injured?

If Calvin Johnson gets injured, will this team even gain a yard? Just look at last year. Calvin Johnson caught 12 touchdown passes last season. That's 11 more than anybody else on the team. If he was injured all last season,  the Lions would be blown out of every game. However, thanks to Calvin Johnson, they got close in some of them. Basically, if they lose Calvin next year due to injury, they will be 0-16.

2. No Depth at cornerback.

So the Lions made some decent moves here by signing Phillip, Anthony, and Eric. However, after that, they really have no one. If one of these guys go down, just like they seemingly do every year, the Lions may be forced to throw in someone who should be considered a practice squad player. And that is never good.

1. The Matt Millen Effect.

Matt Millen dug a huge hole for this team. It is almost impossible to turn around a team with what happened last season. Almost impossible. When a person drafts four wide receivers in five years in the first round, you know other positions are getting ignored. At least other teams drafted lineman beforehand and not just wide receivers.

Alright there's my list you decide.