2010 NFL Preview: Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions had nowhere to go but up in 2009 after their 0-16 2008 season. They did just that with a 2-14 record. Yes, it's not all that hot, and it was the second worst record in the league, but the way Detroit is re-building their franchise, it could be a bright future ahead.
For Jim Schwartz and Co., the challenge will be to get his new players adjusted to his system. Matthew Stafford is healthy, and is looking to play a lot better than he did his rookie season, they drafted a centerpiece for the future on defense in Ndamukong Suh, and Calvin Johnson has help opposite of him at wide receiver. These moves made could be what the Lions need to turn a corner. We'll go further inside the Detroit Lions.
Recap:
- 2009 Record: 2-14 (4th, NFC North, missed playoffs)
- Key Additions: QB Shaun Hill (San Francisco 49ers), WR Nate Burleson (Seattle Seahawks), TE Tony Scheffler (Denver Broncos), G Rob Sims (Seattle Seahawks), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (Tennessee Titans), DT Corey Williams (Cleveland Browns), CB Chris Houston (Atlanta Falcons), CB Jonathan Wade (St. Louis Rams), SS C.C. Brown (New York Giants).
- Key Departures: QB Daunte Culpepper (UFL), TE Casey Fitzsimmons (retirement), G Daniel Loper (Oakland Raiders), DE Dewayne White (UFL), DE Robert Henderson (Seattle Seahawks), DT Grady Jackson (free agency) , OLB Ernie Sims (Philadelphia Eagles), ILB Larry Foote (Pittsburgh Steelers), CB Phillip Buchanon (Washington Redskins), CB Will James (San Francisco 49ers), CB Anthony Henry (free agency), CB Kevin Hobbs (free agency), SS Daniel Bullocks (UFL), S Marquand Manuel (free agency).
Overview:
Offense: Matthew Stafford will be back under center for the Lions, and unlike last year, he has a lot more help, as more veteran players now want to come to Detroit and play for the team than in the past. Stafford struggled because he did not have that much help, he only threw for 2,267 yards with 13 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Expect those numbers to improve with the additions to made to this roster. With the departures of backups Daunte Culpepper, Patrick Ramsey, and Dan Orlovsky, the Lions have brought in Shaun Hill to back up Stafford, and they will place him ahead of Drew Stanton.
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