The Detroit Lions' Real NFL Season is About To Begin

OK, here we go. 

After all the draft talk, free agent signings, and trades, the National Football League season is set to begin, and the Detroit Lions are finally going to make their presence known.

At least I hope so.  I know after I read Sports Illustrated where they have them finishing 4-12, I was pretty ticked off.  Yeah, I know the strength of schedule is rated 12th.  I know they play against eight teams that made the playoffs in 2009.

But 4-12? 

I have been stating the Lions should end up anywhere between six and eight wins.  I don't think that's all that far off. 

Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz have laid a foundation that contains a nice blend of youth and experience.  I do questions the cuts of Dre Bly and Jon Jensen, especially Jensen, since the offensive line has been under fire the last three or four seasons.  Bly wasn't going to be the mentor Schwartz thought he would be and wasn't going to be happy with a limited role.

The weapons that they have surrounded Matthew Stafford with is pretty impressive:  Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew, Nate Burleson, Tony Scheffler, and Bryant Johnson gives him a lot of options. 

Stafford and Calvin Johnson have been getting in some extra practice time as well as getting together off the field to help solidify their communication.  Don't be surprised if a few times during the season, you see Stafford glance at CJ, and the next thing you know, he's off and running on a 70 yard TD run. 

While Ndamukong Suh was the number one pick of the Lions, I would say the most important pick has been running back Jahvid Best.  With his capability to score from anywhere on the field, he is going to take a lot of pressure off Stafford as well as keep opposing teams defense honest.

There has been a ton of articles, in here and out, regarding the Lions.  I really can't add anything to them, but I have to be pleased that the majority of them seem to have the Lions on the rise.  I think Sports Illustrated is basing their prediction on last year's team. 

Fine, let them think we're still a bad football team.  I doubt the rest of the NFL will think so after the first three games.