3 Keys to the season
1. Don’t Stop Believing. There is tangible optimism all over this team, stemming from Head Coach Schwartz and guys like Delmas, Suh, and Stafford. That optimism figures to be tested hard with an early schedule that features 4 of the first 6 games on the road, including all three NFC North rivals. Staying focused, positive, and mentally strong after what looks like nothing better than a 2-4 start (if that) will be critical.
2. Take it on the Run, Baby. The Lions must run the ball better and also show major improvement at stopping the run. The offseason additions on both sides of the ball should help, but it’s a long climb up from as dreadful as Detroit has consistently fared in both areas in recent years.
3. Youth Gone Wild. There is a lot of very good young talent sprinkled on this roster, more than at any time in at least 15 years. The developmental progress of Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew, Louis Delmas, DeAndre Levy, Ndamukong Suh, and Jahvid Best must be first and foremost, even if costs an extra couple of wins in the growing pains.
Great extensive team preview as always, Icness. I think the Lions can win 5, maybe 6 this year. They really need to go after some OL next offseason.
