Why The Detroit Lions Will Roar To Another 0-16 Season

As a student at the University of Michigan, I had the scintillating opportunity to watch the worst team to ever play the game of football nearly every Sunday. I couldn't keep my eyes off them, I was astounded that a team could be this bad. Like an Iranian Presidential election, everyone knew who was going to win before the games began, not the Lions.

After observing the Lions' offseason moves, I can't help but feel that a team, which forgot how to win last year, did not improve itself enough over the offseason to win games this upcoming year.  

Defense

The defense has been improved namely through the additions of two linebackers, Larry Foote and Julian Peterson. It's good to see that an 0-16 team isn't blacklisted by free agents, however with the only other upgrade to the defense being Louis Delmas, a 2nd round safety, this team won't drastically improve the worst ranked rushing defense in the league and the 5th worst passing defense.Yes Detroit now has a great linebacking corps and a good defensive head coach, but I think linebackers are the least important section of a defense.

Offense

Calvin Johnson, aka "Megatron", shone brightly last year on an awful offense. He had a 1000 more yards receiving than anyone else on the team.

Sometimes, I would cry at night bemoaning the plight of Megatron's career.

He is one of the most exciting receivers in the league just two years into his career, and he does not get the national attention he deserves. I can only take solace in the fact he is a wide receiver, and his body won't get battered while being the star on an awful team. He's a great team player and has yet to complain, but I can't help but wonder if he will start letting his frustration show as he will constantly be the focal point of opposing defenses.

The offensive line was horrid last year, allowing the second most sacks in the league. This stat is gouged a bit because of the Greek statues Detroit had playing quarterback last year, and the team was constantly passing because they were behind. Detroit will still have to expect to play from behind with a terrible rushing attack that failed to improve over the offseason.

Detroit did add Jon Jansen over the offseason to play tackle, however the Lion's front office quixotically decided to reward the four returning o-line starters with long term contracts. 

I fail to see how this line will be able to protect the Great White Hope, Matthew Stafford. Instead of trying to upgrade the line with the 1st overall pick, the Lions picked Stafford. Let's face it, the guy is eye candy, the team picked him to be the face of the franchise and get fans excited. I want him to succeed just as much as anyone else, but he is expected to start as the 1st overall pick and is in one of the worst situations possible to become a successful quarterback. 

Personnel changes

Jim Schwartz is the new head coach in town, replacing Rod Marinelli. Marinelli became a martyr this offseason whether he deserved it or not, having a lot of the blame being put on his shoulders for the 0-16 season.

Schwartz comes in with a solid track record, he was the defensive coordinator for the Titans from 2001-08. He is gaining popularity, but it's tough to predict how well a first time head coach will do. 

Nevertheless, this change should give fans the most hope, as a new coach could help Detroit win a game or two as the least talented team in the NFL.

The biggest improvement this offseason has been the firing of Matt Millen, sometimes referred to as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Millen, known for his affinity for constantly keeping his team in the rebuilding process, has been replaced by Martin Mayhew, whose first move was to fleece the Cowboys in the Roy Williams trade.

A three year old would have been an improvement over Millen, and Mayhew has already made a couple shrewd moves that has restored some of the fan's confidence in the Lions' front office.

New Logo, Same Caliber Team

The Lions have unveiled their new logo, the biggest change being the "fiercer" characteristics to the lion. Frankly, the team will wear these new uniforms like a scarlet letter, a constant reminder that they were so bad last season that they had to change their identity. 

This team overall probably hasn't had the full makeover they desired, however they have started the rebuilding process. The Lions aren't expected to be good in the first year of rebuilding, but the 21 strongest strength of schedule in the league will help ease the pains of rebuilding. Ultimately, this team can steal a couple games, and probably won't go for 33 straight losses, but they still will be perpetual underdogs heading into every game. The key is patience, however it is hard to say whether fans in Detroit have any left.