Beer Thinker's Early Impressions of the Detroit Lions

I've got one thing to get off my chest, and then I'll talk about the Detroit Lions...

While I am glad that the NFL Lockout has ended, I think both sides should be ashamed of themselves for having the fans twist in the wind.

I totally understand the sacrifices players have made...and I begrudge no one for making a buck.  But these players must remember just how privileged they are to be getting paid to play a game.  Granted, they are the best in the world at what they do, but they chose to play this game, no one forced them to.

As for the owners, they need to come down into the real world and start giving back to the fans who support them despite the fact they can barley afford to.  Really, complaining they don't have enough money with $9 billion in the pot?

Again, while I am glad this nonsense is over, I'm not happy for either side.

OK, now let's move on to better things...and to better days ahead for the Detroit Lions.

Martin Mayhew is at it again.  While he may not have gone after cornerbacks Asomugha or Joseph, the Lions did land Eric Wright, who arrives with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.  He had a down year with the Browns last season and he's going to be coming into camp with something to prove.  Teamed with Chris Houston, the Lions secondary just got better.

The linebacker corps improved as well, with the signings of linebackers Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch.

All I got to say here, with the defensive line already considered to be one of the best in the NFL, is watch out Green Bay and Chicago, as well as any NFL team:  The Lions aren't going to be doormats anymore.

And it's not over.  I have no idea what future moves are going to occur, but I fear we are going to be facing a difficult decision and one I hope is going to be done with class and dignity: the disposition of Lions fan favorite, kicker Jason Hanson.

While I know that age catches up with everyone, I'd hate to see Hanson be forced to leave rather than on his own terms.  I hope he puts together a preseason that will allow him to retire from the Lions rather than be released.

As for the offense, with a healthy Matthew Stafford, three legitimate wide recievers in CJ, Burleson and Young, an always improving Brandon Pettigrew at tight-end and a healthy Jahvid Best paired with a hungry Mikel LeShoure to enhance the running game, the Lions will have a very dangerous offensive attack, with the ability to score from anywhere.

But most importantly is the culture change head coach Jim Schwartz has slowly brought in.  In my opinion, the last four games of the season proved that.  The Lions could have phoned it in last year with so many injuries, and even being down to their third-string quarterback. 

Instead, this group of players became a team.  They played hard and finished the year strong.

It's going to be an interesting season, isn't it?