Detroit Lions: Improvements Needed for 2009

This is usually the time as a Detroit Lions fan that I find myself being overly optimistic and maybe a bit delusional. 

Typically, I make some sort of prediction like, "We’re going to the playoffs this year." However, after last year, my hopes and goals for this team have changed. I have tempered my expectations. This does not mean that I don’t want to see a few things happen this year. 

Here is a list of things I believe need to happen in order to consider this year a success, wins and losses aside:

Improved O-Line play

The Lions O-Line has been one of the worst units over the last seven years. They have been unable to protect the quarterback, and have been just awful at controlling the line of scrimmage. I mean seriously how many times have we watched them go for a third-and-one or fourth-and-one, and come up short? This year they need to be better, I don’t expect them to become dominate, just better.

Effective Running Game

This may be the most crucial part of the season on offense.  I believe that we have a solid running back in Kevin Smith and he could be great if things go well. If they can establish the run everything else will feed off of it. The Lions can find the pass-protection game easier because teams won’t be able to bring the heat, all the time.  It will also force safeties in the box freeing up Calvin Johnson to go deep on a regular basis.

Stafford To Johnson

This is the reason we drafted a strong-arm quarterback, so he can chuck a pass routinely to the best wide receiver in the league, Calvin Johnson. We need to see this combo become near prolific by the end of the season. I want to hear, "Stafford to Johnson for a touchdown" at least 12 times this season. If Stafford can connect with Johnson this year, the rest can fall into place later on.

The defense is a whole other story. We need to see some drastic improvements on this side of the ball, but I don't believe we have the personnel to accomplish this. So, my expectations are simpler.

No More Big Plays

Last year it became a part of a Sunday ritual for teams to run or throw for touchdowns of more than 50 yards against the Lions. The first game of the season, we gave up two huge touchdowns in the first quarter, but I am not here to relive the past. Big plays allow the opposing team to score quickly, which prevents your offense from having the needed time to make adjustments before taking the field again. It also creates a momentum that is tough to overcome. Big plays need to be a thing of the past.

Pass Rush

The past three years allowing teams to sit back and pick us apart, has brought on the need for pass rush and blitz packages. No more can the Lions allow quarterbacks to pick apart the defense; no more can they be consider soft. This is the year that they need to start hitting back, go out their and bloody some noses. I want to see more offsides penalties and late hits because they are going hard to the ball, and being aggressive. This is the year where they establish a new identity...not of kittens, but of Lions.