DETROIT – The Detroit Lions' recent history has been abysmal.
Let's get that out of the way right now. No use in dwelling on past failures, and boy were there past failures.
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However, Detroit's final 4-0 push this past season ended what was unarguably the most exciting Lions season in the past 10 years. Sure, the team went 6-10. But, as stated above, the past 10 years have been less than spectacular: Six and 10 is exciting for Detroit.
Moreover, most of those 10 losses showcased a Detroit group that flashed signs of 10-6 capabilities. So it's no surprise that this time players and fans are calling for a 2011 playoff birth. And everyone seems quite serious about it.
Predictions aside, the Lions have the talent, leadership and hard-earned attention from the rest of the league (A Monday Night Football game to boot) that will give this city a chance to join in the excitement that is the NFL season, instead of wallowing in the all-too-familiar perennial doormat position.
Here are some reasons to get excited about the Lions whether they post a 6-10 or 11-5 record. The following will be fun to witness, regardless:
The Defensive Line
Ndamukong Suh is a beast. Suh, along with veteran DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and rookie Nick Fairley pose an intimidating force for any O-line. Of course, in true Lions fashion, Fairley is hurt and will miss a chunk of training camp. However, the Lions defensive line was already dominant this past season with Suh, Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams, Cliff Avril and even Andre Fluellen. The roster has some decent depth at the DE and DT positions as well.
In fact, the Lions were 6th-best in the league in sacks in 2010, and 10th in tackles.
Suh is quickly making a case for being one of the most exciting defensive players in the league. Detroit should have no problem keeping a solid group around him. He makes his teammates better on every play.
Related:Mike Utley Visits Lions Training Camp
Strong, Talented Receivers
You may know him as Megatron, but on any given day you can just call him the most talented offensive player on the field: Calvin Johnson is good no matter what the score is, no matter who is throwing to him, no matter who/what is covering him, and no matter what kind of time he has. Mister automatic may be a more suitable nickname.
Johnson is joined by Nate Burleson and a cast of strong receivers who form one of the most dangerous groups of down-field targets in the NFL. The addition of rookie Titus Young -- from an explosive Boise State offense -- and Rashied Davis from the Bears just makes the receiver group a bit deeper.
Don't forget the explosive speed from Stefan Logan and the additional size of Maurice Stovall.
If this is not enough, the TE spots are strong, too -- Tony Sheffler is no slouch and although Brandon Pettigrew had a slow start, his 70 receptions for 722 yards this past season set off an alarm for opposing defenses: Pettigrew is ready to be among the elite NFL TEs.
Questions at QB?: Don't Worry About It
Matt Stafford's shoulder is tragic. The man has the potential to be something really special. It's tough to see him struggle with such a debilitating injury so early in his professional career. Moreover, it's tough to see the Lions suffer from it, too.
Still, Stafford has stayed optimistic and has said he is ready to play through to the playoffs in 2011.
While it's true no team can survive in the NFL without a stud at QB, the Lions reminded the entire league in 2010 why depth matters at this position.
Sean Hill did a fine job of giving this team a chance to win every time he put his hands on the ball. As if that was not enough, Hill played through injuries and at times when the O-line seemed to forget he was even there. He won fans over when he went out on field with a cast on one arm. He's the real deal when it comes to professionalism. The dude has heart.
Hometown boy Drew Stanton also did what he could to win when the team needed him to. Many thought Stanton's efforts late in the season would buy him a ticket out of town. Whether or not he had a choice, Stanton stayed in Detroit. It's a good sign for the franchise and fans anytime a guy chooses to stick around to see what happens.
Special Teams
Veteran punter Nick Harris is forgettable -- which is exactly what punters should be when they are as good as he is. He is to the punter position what Jason Hanson is, or was, to the kicker position.
While it's unclear what 20-year veteran Hanson's future is after an injury this past season, 5-year veteran Dave Rayner has stepped up to fill the void quite nicely.
Logan wowed stadiums a few times in the past year or 2. He's exciting when gets a little bit of space on returns. It is good to have a talented athlete like him available to go -- doing it big for little guys everywhere.
No worries here.
Coaches
Head coach Jim Schwartz is making it clear: Defense first. Consequently, he is making believers out of an extremely beleaguered fan base. Kudos to Schwartz. He knew this would be a tough task. This one-time defensive coordinator is sticking old school -- something a Big Ten fan base would appreciate.
Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan knows he has to be balanced to be successful week in and week out. Lions fans have to be happy with the flashes of a very well-balanced offense that they saw this past season.
Finally, general manager Martin Mayhew is well aware of his franchise's potential. He has been doing alright so far -- actually, quite better than alright.
Still, after nearly three full season at the helm, his No. 1 task remains: To get the Lions their first winning season since 2000. He's trying for it with key draft picks and by spending money on a defense that was known for huge holes, front to back.
The four-straight wins were nice, but fans are hungry, and if Mayhew's squad doesn't deliver this season, he will want to make big moves fast.
Faster than that last guy.
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Dave Bartkowiak Jr. is a news editor at ClickOnDetroit.com. He can be contacted at dbartkowiak@wdiv.com.
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