Detroit Lions: Why They Will Field a Playoff Team in 2011-2012

Let's assume that there will be a 2011 season, and therefore playoffs.

If we can do that, we may have eliminated the greatest hurdle standing between the Detroit Lions and the aforementioned playoffs.

Now, let me provide a premise here. This is not me saying the Lions will make the playoffs. I'm not so recklessly bold as to make that kind of prediction before so much as a free agency period. I would have to have lots of Kool-Aid in my veins to such a big proclamation with so little information.

Rather, this is part one of a two-part series, which consists of me making the case for the Lions making the playoffs today, and then making the counter-argument next week. I'll make both arguments, and you can draw your own conclusions.

And like any true blue Lions fan, we'll start with the good news first.

The most compelling argument for the "Lions playoffs '11" campaign is that the Lions finished last season on a four-game winning streak, despite having over a dozen players on injured reserve.

One of those players was starting quarterback and former No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford, who had his throwing shoulder surgically repaired in the offseason.

Stafford now looks not only like he's recovered from his injury, but that he's perhaps taken up bodybuilding in the offseason and protected his shoulders with several inches of muscle.

Better yet, Stafford is already working out with his teammates and building some of that elusive chemistry with his receivers, even as the NFL lockout continues. And when the teams finally do get back to work, Stafford will have more to work with than ever before.

With three talented wide receivers and at least two strong tight ends and running backs surrounding him, 2011 may end up being a breakout year not only for Stafford, but for several players on the offense around him.

The issue with the Lions' offense is the line, and while they're aging, they're also greatly underrated. The right side of the line had injury problems last season, and both are rehabbing well and should benefit from the extended rest provided by the lockout.

They may not be one of the league's best in 2011, but they're definitely good enough to get the job done, especially for an offense that should sport more balance than they've had in a decade.

But then, perhaps the greatest question about the Lions lies in the back seven of the defense. The defensive line may well be one of the league's best, but what does that matter they secondary is letting 14-point leads vaporize via passes over the top?

Admittedly, the secondary is a concern, but it's not nearly as bad as some have made it out to be. For starters, that group improved considerably towards the end of the season.

Consider that in the Lions' 7-3 victory over the eventual champion Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers was held to 46 yards passing with an interception in the first half before being knocked out of the game.

This, from the same offense that picked apart the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl.

In addition, the Lions are extremely young at both the cornerback and linebacker positions. While it may not seem like there are reliable starters in place right now, the roster is loaded with young talent with not only starting quality, but star potential. Alphonso Smith, Aaron Berry, Ashlee Palmer and Amari Spievey all fall into this category.

I don't know why all their names start with A. Coincidence, I guess.

Not a believer in the "grow into the role" paradigm? Fine, but remember that we're going to get free agency at some point, too. If the Lions picked up just one quality player to fill one of those major need positions, they would look exponentially better.

But frankly, if they develop their existing talent the way they're able, they may not even need to lean too heavily on free agency.

Of course, regardless of the quality of the offensive and defensive units, the Lions need to actually go out and beat teams if they're going to make the playoffs, starting with the teams in their own division.

Depending on where you fall on the "process of the catch" game, the Lions went either 2-4 or 3-3 in the NFC North last season. Each of their divisional losses, aside from the one at the Metrodome, was a near-miss that could easily have gone the other way.

Green Bay might be close to untouchable next season, but the Vikings are in full rebuild mode, and the Bears, having made another improbable playoff run, are due for another implosion. If the Lions are going to make the playoffs, they'll want (and are capable of) at least four wins within the division.

In particular, it will be interesting to see how the Lions play in their first "Monday Night Football" appearance in a decade. If they come out sharp at home against the Bears on football's biggest regular-season stage, it will be a good sign of things to come.

Looking at the Lions' 2011 schedule, there are some good teams standing between the Lions and the playoffs. They won't be able to get it just by beating the Vikings, Broncos, and Panthers.

But you know what? Playoffs teams have to beat good teams. They often have to beat the best teams to be among the final 12 teams standing at the end of the year.

The Lions might just be up to it. They won back-to-back games in 2010 against the eventual Super Bowl champion Packers and the 10-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They have it in them to beat the league's best.

All they have to do to make it to the playoffs in 2011 is prove they can do it more often than not.