Bengals vs. Lions: 4 Electrifying Detroit Players To Watch in the NFL Preseason

It took the Detroit Lions quite a few losing seasons in the NFL to stockpile the talent they have now, but finally, they have something to look forward to.

The Lions have the pieces to be a competitor in 2011—now they just need to perform to their abilities.

Here are four exciting guys to watch during the preseason whose play will be pivotal to the Lions success.

4. Stephen Tulloch

Despite having a ton of talent on their roster, the Lions thought they had a weakness at linebacker, so they went and signed one of the best free-agent linebackers available.

Stephen Tulloch comes to Detroit after spending the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Last year he recorded an incredible 160 tackles, and even added a sack and a interception. 

Watch Tulloch to see how he is fitting into Detroit's defense, and if he can match last year's production. If he can, the Lions defense should be incredible.

3. Matthew Stafford

Matt Stafford and the word "electrifying" don't exactly go hand in hand. He isn't flashy, but he does have one hell of an arm.

Touchdowns are electrifying, and Stafford needs to be responsible for a ton of them this year if the Lions want to be a playoff team. 

He is certainly capable of it, and he has the weapons to be amazing, but it's all about staying healthy for him. 

Watch Stafford because he'll make some incredible throws, but also to make sure he looks 100 percent.

2. Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh had an off-the-charts rookie campaign. 

His stats were just crazy; 10 sacks, 66 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception and three passes defended—all as a defensive tackle.

The guy is an absolute beast, and he did that mostly while being double-teamed.

Instead of being happy with Suh's numbers, the Lions decided to give him a chance to do even better by drafting Nick Fairley to play alongside him. 

It will be a lot harder for teams to double-team Suh with Fairley on the field, and as a result, Suh's numbers could absolutely explode. If you thought he was scary in 2010, it's only going to get better from here.

1. Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson is easily one of the most fun-to-watch guys in the NFL.

You can watch a poorly thrown ball float through the air toward three defenders, and then have Johnson come from out of nowhere to snag it; that's how good he is.

He's so good that he made Shaun Hill look like a decent quarterback.

Watch him in the corners of the end zones, it is easily where he does his best work, out-jumping cornerbacks and then carefully planting his feet.

Last year he had 77 receptions for 1,120 yards and 12 touchdowns. It's crazy to think that he may do even better if Stafford can stay healthy in 2011.