No breakthrough for new-look Lions this year
Detroit has one playoff victory since winning NFL championship in 1957
Tony Avelar / APIf the Lions don't win more than seven games, quarterback Jon Kitna could be a fall guy Dan Pompei writes.
LIONS TRAINING CAMP PREVIEW
By Dan Pompei
NBCSports.com contributor
updated 4:53 p.m. ET July 12, 2008
 | Dan Pompei |
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They say if you can play good defense and run the ball, you're going to have a chance.
That explains some things about the Lions' 7-9 record last year. They finished last in the league in defense and 31st in rushing offense.
They knew they had to make some changes, and they did. They allowed a number of players with value to leave, including defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, defensive end Kalimba Edwards, linebacker Boss Bailey, cornerback Fernando Bryant, offensive lineman Damien Woody and running backs Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett.
And perhaps of more significance, they allowed offensive coordinator Mike Martz to leave as well. In search of more balance in their offense, the 49ers gave the offensive reigns to former offensive line coach Jim Colletto. They also made Central Florida tailback Kevin Smith their third round draft pick.
Whether or not the Lions of 2008 have more talent than the Lions of 2007 is highly questionable, but the hope is this group is a better, more cohesive mix that responds to Colletto's style better than it responded to Martz's style.
If the Lions fail to break through again this year, it won't be anything new. The Lions have won only one playoff game since winning the NFL championship in 1957.
Hot seat
Jon Kitna likes to put the bullseye on his back. He did it last year, when he said the Lions would win ten games. And he did it again this year with a similar statement.
Kitna is a wonderful leader and as tough a quarterback as there is, but his optimism might be slightly misguided. He could have a harder time than he did a year ago when he had the benefit of Martz's wizardry.
But Kitna had better deliver. He has two first round draft picks to throw to in Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson, and two other receivers who have been very productive in Mike Furry and Shaun McDonald.
Kitna is 35 years old and the Lions have Drew Stanton tapping his foot on the sideline. If the Lions don't win more than seven games, Kitna could be a fall guy.
Overheard at camp
The Lions were movers and shakers in the offseason, but their best move might have been the one they didn't make. The Lions considered dealing Roy Williams, and even fielded offers on draft day.
But they weren't going to part with the Pro Bowler unless they received something special in return. There is nothing wrong with having a surplus of talent at the wide receiver position. And should Williams make it to free agency next year without signing an extension, the Lions can always use the franchise tag on him.
Comings and goings
The Lions have a new-look secondary thanks to the acquisitions of three players — cornerbacks Leigh Bodden and Brian Kelly and safety Dwight Smith. Kelly and Smith have Tampa ties to coach Rod Marinelli, and know how to play the Cover 2 defense. Bodden can help when the Lions want to mix in some man-to-man.
New middle linebacker Jordon Dizon, the Lions' second round selection, is just the kind of player who has flourished in the Tampa 2 style defenses. He's undersized, but he makes up for it with what Lions president Matt Millen calls "phenomenal instincts."
On offense, first round pick Gosder Cherilus, third rounder Kevin Williams and free agent tight end Michael Gaines will add some muscle.
Prediction
The best thing you can say about these Lions is they look more like you would expect a Rod Marinelli team to look, both from the standpoint of player intangibles and player abilities being matched to the scheme. They will be more reflective of their coach's image. But they still might not be good enough to contend with the better teams in the NFC.
I respect Kitna more as a quarterback than as a prognosticator. Subtract four wins from the 10 he expects the Lions to win.
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Dan Pompei writes regularly for NBCSports.com and covers the NFL for the Chicago Tribune.
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