Do the Detroit Lions Deserve Such Harsh Treatment?

Maybe it's because it's the holidays and I am just being melancholy about my team.

Perhaps it could be that I am being defensive in the criticism as of late of the Detroit Lions.  I know that I have written some rather scathing articles myself in regards to players, coaches and management of the Detroit Lions. 

But it just seems during this time of supposed goodwill and cheer, we fans seem to be cranking it up a notch instead of trying to find the good in all of this.

Yes, I know.  How can anyone find any good from a team that has been so bad for so long?  With so many areas to be fixed, how can any part be ignored?  We can sit here, safe and snug behind our computers (and some of us do hide under aliases) and point out what is wrong as well as proffer our opinions as to what needs to be done to fix this team and bring it back to respectability.

Is there anything good about this team?  I offer these few tidbits:

Matthew Stafford - The kid came into a maelstrom of controversy when drafted the number 1 pick last year.  Many of us were hoping that we'd grab that left tackle this team has sorely needed over the past decade.

But we needed a franchise quarterback and Stafford has shown signs of brilliance, leadership and toughness.  I think his final play against the Browns solidified his stature with his teammates as well as the fans that he does have that will to win.  Now we just got to get the talent to allow him to do just that.

Brandon Pettigrew - Another head scratcher when he was taken at No. 20 when there was still OT Michael Oher or CB Vonte Davis available.  However, before his season-ending injury, Pettigrew began to establish himself as a potential elite tight end, something the Lions have missed for a long time.

A huge target with great hands and deceptive speed, Pettigrew had a breakout game against the Browns with six catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.

Calvin Johnson - in his third year, we have yet to see what his true talent is.  His numbers are down this year because defenses have double and triple-teamed him but he still is capable of making spectacular catches and has the ability to score from anywhere on the field.

Louis Delmas - In my opinion, this guy is the MVP of the Lions.  On a defense that has way too many gaps, Delmas has brought some toughness and nastiness to this team.  Sure, he may have been over-zealous at times but he has great instincts and a nose for the ball.  He could be the best secondary player the Lions have had since Lem Barney.

Jason Hanson - Not a great year going for him but if there is any classier football player around, show him to me.  He has handled diversity with grace and professionalism despite being on a team that continues to spiral.  He could have easily bolted to another team a few times in his lengthy career but he remains loyal to the Lions...and we fans should thank him for that.

It isn't that I don't disagree with what has been written lately.  Drew Stanton deserves a bit of a pass for his first start.  Sure, it would have been nice to see him win in his first start but with a team that needs so much, perhaps he put too much pressure on himself to make the perfect plays.  And we all know when a player presses too much, bad things can happen.

While I am disappointed with this season's record (I was hoping for at least a six win season) it looks like the Lions will end up 2-14 and with the No. 2 pick in the draft.  Between now and April, I suspect there will be a myriad of articles on who the Lions should take or what they should do with the pick.

The 2011 draft is going to be a very critical one for Martin Mayhew and company.  Last year's wasn't bad but many people will consider it a bust again for the Lions because of the 2-14 record. 

We do have enough offensive weapons though we still need a capable WR to pair with Johnson and perhaps a speedy Darren Sproles/Reggie Bush type of back to complement the hard working Kevin Smith.  Hopefully the Lions can get them in the later rounds of the draft or free agency.

The defense needs the most help.  And despite my pleas for an elite left tackle, I can accept using the No. 1 pick for defensive help.  If the Rams pass on Ndamukong Suh, the Lions would be foolish to pass him up.  Rams do need a QB so let’s all hope they go after Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame to clear the path for us to take Suh.

But let's cut back on the harshness folks.  Our season has been over since the end of October.  I know that we would have liked to see our boys win more games but we still need to show patience.  Remember, Matt Millen had 10 years to destroy this team.  It's going to take next year and perhaps one more to get us back into contention.

Thanks and I wish everyone on the Bleacher Report a happy and safe New Year!