Detroit Lions: 5 Reasons Why the Lions Can Reach Super Bowl 46

In recent months, the Detroit Lions have become a fan favorite; not just in the state of Michigan, but across the country as well.  People everywhere have witnessed this team attempt to climb out of the cellar. 

While they have done so slowly, free agent signings, important draft picks, and big plays have made this team a force in both the NFC North and the NFL.  Here are five reasons why the Lions could very well be playing on February 5, 2012 in Super Bowl 46.

5. The Receiving Corps: Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, and Titus Young

The Detroit Lions' offense is in good hands.  These three guys fit perfectly into the offensive scheme of Scott Linehan.  It is not a complicated system, but these three receivers will thrive this year. 

Calvin Johnson has the ability to make a big play any time the ball is in the air.  Having a big target like Johnson will continue to be a dominant portion of the Lions' offense.

Nate Burleson will continue to do what he does best: get open.  With teams double covering Johnson, this gives Burleson a chance to get a lot of man coverage, which he can pick apart with excellent route running.

Titus Young gives the Lions something they didn't have a season ago, which is a speedy No. 3 receiver that can stretch a defense and make big plays.  Watch for Young to be a key component in a successful Lions offense. 

4. The Linebackers: DeAndre Levy, Justin Durant, and Stephen Tulloch

With a front four that has the potential to beat any offensive line in the league, what linebacker wouldn't want to come play for Detroit?  This is probably what Durant and Tulloch were thinking when they decided to sign with the Lions.  With the addition of these two players to Levy's skill set, this gives the Lions the type of linebackers they haven't seen in many years. 

Levy has already said he is willing to play anywhere as long as it benefits the team.  While Durant has been hit with the injury bug frequently, joining the Lions gives him a fresh start and a chance to start turning some heads. 

Tulloch was second in the league last season with 160 tackles.  This gives the Lions a run-stopping presence, which will be so pivotal to a defense that was already fifth in the league in stopping the run a year ago.

3. The "Silver Crush": Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley

The Lions already had a fantastic defensive line at the end of last season.  So obviously when April's NFL draft came around, they decided to draft another defensive tackle.  While some didn't like the choice, many thought it was the deal of the draft.  No one though Fairley would drop that low, and when he did, the Lions were there to scoop him up.

Pairing Fairley and Suh together is a decision that will prove incredibly effective for the Lions this season.  Many have balked at Fairley because of his character and work ethic.  When he is surrounded by hardworking, determined players like the Lions currently have, this will not be an issue anymore. 

Look for Fairly and Suh to be giving opposing offensive coordinators nightmares this season.

2. Running the Football: Jahvid Best and ???

The running game is always an important aspect of the offense.  If you can't run the ball, you can't throw the ball either.  The Lions must improve on a rushing attack that averaged 70 yards per game and ranked 29th in the NFL. 

They will do just that.

Jahvid Best is poised for a breakout season at running back. While they lost rookie Leshoure for the year with a torn Achilles tendon, they signed veterans Mike Bell and Jerome Harrison.  One of these replacements has the opportunity to step into the role of a power back and do his job, which is to get first downs.  They have both been great running backs in the past, and the Lions have given them a chance to prove they can be again. 

Look for a vastly improved running game this season that will help propel the Lions deep into the playoffs. 

1. Matthew Stafford

There is no great mystery when it comes to the success of the Detroit Lions.  His name is Matthew Stafford.  This is going to be his third year in the league, and he is now ready to take this team over. 

After being injured for most of last season, he came into training camp looking bigger and more athletic.  He has a lot of pressure on him to play well from fans and the media, but he will perform when it matters most. His leadership abilities and his play on the field make him the quarterback the Lions have been hoping for all these rough years.

He has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league; do not be surprised when Stafford makes a bid for the 2012 Pro Bowl, which will help propel the Detroit Lions to Super Bowl 46.