Detroit Lions Prove to Be Attractive Job for New GM in Win over Saints

The Detroit Lions didn't do themselves any favors in the playoff race or the 2016 NFL draft with their 35-27 win over the New Orleans Saints.

They were eliminated from postseason contention two weeks ago and now sit just outside the top 10 in the projected draft order. Yet this win wasn't a loss, no matter how badly you want Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.

This was a prime-time audition for all of the general manager candidates out there. And the Lions not only broke a leg on the big stage, they proved that there's plenty of talent in Detroit waiting for the right executive to mold it into a winner.

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

A Capable Quarterback

The first question asked about any front office or coaching vacancies is always the same: Does the team have a quarterback?

Some doubted Matthew Stafford early in the season when he struggled his way through September. However, his recent run combined with his incredible Monday night performance have answered that question unequivocally in the affirmative. ESPN Stats & Info noted that Stafford is setting franchise records in the process as well:

"

Matthew Stafford set a @Lions record for completion percentage in a game, 88% (min. 25 attempts) via @EliasSports

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 22, 2015"

That record is even more incredible considering accuracy has been the biggest criticism of the 27-year-old signal-caller's skill set. But Stafford made all the throws in this game, including a sidewinder on the run to Lance Moore along the right sideline that was on the money.

Stafford ultimately finished 22-of-25 for 254 yards and three touchdowns. That 10.2-yards-per-attempt average was certainly bolstered by a pile of yards after the catch, but that only helps the team's case instead of hurting its quarterback's.

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Good Mix of Talent

If the Lions didn't have any playmakers, Stafford's final numbers wouldn't have looked nearly as nice.

Wide receiver Golden Tate led the team with six receptions (45 yards), and tight end Eric Ebron led the way with 79 yards, including a 45-yard sprint down the sideline. Yet it was running back Theo Riddick who led the team in larcenies, robbing Saints linebacker Dannell Ellerbe of his ankles and his dignity. The NFL shared an example Riddick's moves on Twitter: 

"

Theo Riddick is handing out free passes to the skate park. 😳 #DETvsNO pic.twitter.com/MzqKGwY0Cj

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2015"

Every member of that trio is under contract for at least next year, and we didn't even get to running backs Ameer Abdullah and Zach Zenner, or aging-but-still-useful wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

The defense is equally stacked with talent at every level.

Safety Glover Quin and cornerback Darius Slay are two players nearing the top of their respective games. Plus, they have hard-hitting running mates in potential dime and nickelback extraordinaires Quandre Diggs and Nevin Lawson. ESPN's Jon Gruden is a fan of Diggs, according to ESPN Monday Night:

"

"I like this kid, man." Week 15's #GrudenGrinder is @Lions DB Quandre Diggs. pic.twitter.com/NyBnezaOut

— ESPN Monday Night (@ESPNMondayNight) December 22, 2015"

And let's not forget about All-Pro linebacker DeAndre Levy, who has missed almost the entire season, or the defensive end with the second-most sacks in the league, Ezekiel Ansah.

Plenty of Offseason Capital

Everything isn't smiles, skills and All-Pros, though. The Lions aren't 5-9 solely because of coaching blunders, although those have certainly played a role.

Detroit needs to overhaul its offensive line in a big way. Stafford's occasional nervous antics in the pocket are the result of the incredible pressure he's faced all year, and the Lions boasted the league's worst rushing attack entering Monday night (79.4 yards per game). Sports Illustrated's Andy Benoit noted how Detroit has tried to help Stafford out:

"

Film: #Lions passing game was primarily 3-step timing. Trying to hide their OL, especially against good #Rams DL.

— Andy Benoit (@Andy_Benoit) December 16, 2015"

The Lions will also be looking for a couple of defensive tackles, a linebacker or two, a starting outside cornerback and a starting safety. In short, there are holes that need to be addressed.

However, the Lions will be entering the offseason with less than $400,000 worth of dead money on the cap and approximately $20.5 million in space before making any moves, per Spotrac.com. Add in eight or so draft picks once compensatory picks are allocated, and things are suddenly looking sunny for a quick turnaround.

The Lions didn't accomplish much Monday night that can be quantified right now. We'll have to wait until January, or maybe even February, to learn what kind of effect this game truly had.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter @BrandonAlisoglu.