Detroit Lions 2011: Offense Set, Defense Needs Upgrading

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article stating I felt the Lions should draft a left tackle instead of a shutdown corner.

I'm here to eat crow and admit that I was incorrect in that assumption.

The last two games have me convinced that the offense is set and ready to go to the next level in 2011.

I still would like the Lions to deal with Jeff Backus.  I know that he has had a pretty good year, but I want to know where the heck he has been in prior years?  Left guard Rob Sims should get a ton of credit in making Backus look good.  But he still gets beat by a bull rush and really doesn't have the footwork to keep up with a speed rusher.

The Tampa Bay game is what really opened my eyes.  I saw some versatility that I hadn't seen before.

Now before anyone gets their panties in a bunch, I don't want to hear about the Bucs defense being decimated by injuries nor do I want to hear how they got ripped off with the offensive pass interference call despite the apology from the NFL.

Let's take a look at some of the weapons the Lions will have at their disposal next year.  Some will be obvious and others may come as a bit of a surprise.

Calvin Johnson

C.J. has blossomed into the receiver we all hoped he would be.  Some of the catches he has made have been amazing and you can see defensive coordinators adjusting their defense because of him.  Despite that, he is third in the NFL with 1,068 yards and 12 touchdowns on 73 catches.

Jahvid Best

2010 has been a tough year for Best.  He started the year off with a bang, but since his turf toe injuries, he hasn't shown the explosiveness and quickness that we all know he has.  I can see Best being used like the Saints use Reggie Bush. He, like Bush, is a threat to score from anywhere on the field and is good at catching passes out of the backfield.

Mo Morris

Here is your starting running back.  He's quick, uses his blockers very well and brings veteran leadership that is so invaluable to a young team.  Kevin Smith could be a third option, but I think the Lions would be better off trading him for draft picks.

Stefan Logan

Logan has stabilized the return game.  But he also has the capabilities as a receiver and runner.  With his speed and vision, he is yet another home-run threat.

Brandon Pettigrew

Ranked third in the NFL with 64 receptions, Pettigrew has become an elite tight end.  Along with being a great blocker, he is a huge target and runs well for a big man.

Matthew Stafford

The key to the Lions success.  Forget about his first two years.  He has the arm, vision and leadership abilities to take charge of this team and demand the best of them. 

With these weapons and the current offensive line finally playing like they should be, there is little more that can be done to improve the offense.

So, I am changing my stance since the Green Bay and Tampa Bay games has shown where the weaknesses are.  The defensive line is stellar, but get past them and the middle linebackers are average and the secondary has improved from lousy to average. 

Too many attempts at trying to bring down NFL players with arm tackles and there is a lack of speed to the back seven.

The Lions need help in the secondary and there are three top-flight cornerbacks, one of whom should be available to the Lions in the first round.  Patrick Petersen, Prince Amukamara or Brandon Harris.  I'd be happy with any of them.

Lions need a middle linebacker with some nastiness.  Lions would do well to take either Quan Sturdivant or Chris Marve.  Both can diagnose plays, cover tight ends in pass patterns and both can flat-out hit.

Staying with the linebackers, I'd love to see them draft Greg Jones or Mason Foster.  Both are fast and have a nose for the ball.

As for the rest of the picks, four-seven, they are wide open.  Perhaps a project QB since more than likely Drew Stanton will be with another team or getting some interior lineman help to say good bye to the penalty prone Stephan Peterson.

Lions are sitting pretty and should be competitive for the NFC North title.