DC NFL Preview: Detroit Lions

2007 Record: 7-9

Key Additions:
Dwight Smith (FS) - FA - Vikings
Leigh Bodden (CB) - Trade - Browns
Chartric Darby (DT) - FA - Seahawks
Brian Kelly (CB) - FA - Buccaneers
Gilbert Gardner (LB) - FA - Titans
Alfred Fincher (LB) - FA - Saints
Gosder Cherilus (T) - Draft - Boston College
Jordan Dizan (LB) - Draft - Colorado
Kevin Smith (RB) - Draft - UCF

Key Losses:
Fernando Bryant (CB) - FA - Not Signed
Damien Woody (C) - FA - Jets
T.J. Duckett (RB) - FA - Seahawks
Boss Bailey (LB) - FA - Broncos
Kevin Jones (RB) - FA - Bears
Kalimba Edwards (DE) - FA - Raiders

Offense:
Last year the Lions could pass the ball, but their rushing attack was 2nd worst in the league. Now with Martz gone, the Lions should have a more balanced attack. Even though I think Drew Stanton should be starting, Kitna is a solid QB, and he has plenty of talented WRs around him. Roy Williams is in contract year, so I expect a big year out of him, and Calvin Johnson looked good in his rookie campaign and should be even better this year. So, the only real questions are whether or not this offensive line can protect Kitna, and make some running lanes for Kevin Smith. If the Lions can't get a balanced attack, it will be another year without a winning record.

Defense:
The Lions had the worst total defense in the league last year. I blame some of it on Martz since the offense was always throwing the ball, and the defense couldn't catch their breathe. Still, there is not much talent on this defense. Leigh Bodden is an underrated playmaker, and hopefully the addition of him and Kelly will give the defense the playmaking ability that they lost when they traded away Dre Bly.

Overall:
The Lions have some talent, and in the weak NFC it doesn't take much to make the playoffs. This year the Lions will be right there, but I am still not sold they will make it. Maybe if they just listened to be and started Drew Stanton they would.

Predicted Record: 8-8

Next up will be the Green Bay Packers

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Teams done so far:
All AFC Teams
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions

-BMack