Detroit Lions 2005 Preview

By John Onan  |   Tuesday, August 09, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Detroit Lions
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The Detroit Lions drafted yet another wide receiver in the first round, and also bring in Jeff Garcia in case Joey Harrington falters again. Garcia was Coach Steve Mariucci's main man in San Francisco and Mooch will waste no time turning to him if Detroit comes out of the gate slowly.

Strengths: The young talented players drafted by the Lions in the past three drafts are the strength of the offense. Running back Kevin Jones came on strong in the 2nd half of the season to give the team its best back since the legendary Barry Sanders retired. Charles Rogers got hurt in the first game of the 2004, and he hopes to return 100 % to start opposite Roy Williams; Williams had a nice rookie season and will only get better. The Lions also drafted former USC standout Mike Williams with the 10th overall pick in this year's draft. Many observers thought the team should've picked a defensive guy, but the Lions took what they felt was the top player left on the board. TE Marcus Pollard (FA Colts ) gives Harrington a legit target in the middle of the field.

Special Teams: Kicker Jason Hanson has been solid his whole career. Punter Nick Harris had his best season in 2004 and has a solid hold on his position. WR Eddie Drummond was electrifying last season returning kicks, and is always a threat to take it to the house.

Defensive line: James Hall and Shaun Rogers lead a talented and deep D-Line. Coach Mariucci would like to see this unit put more pressure on the quarterback this year. The added depth should be key in the 4th quarter. The Detroit Lions lost too many close games in 2004.
Weaknesses: The QB situation could turn into a problem if Harrington struggles early and Mariucci installs "his guy" Garcia into the starting lineup. He'll basically be telling Harrington he's no longer needed in Detroit, which could cause static on the rest of the club. If Harrington lived up to his past billing, the quarterback position could end up being a real strong point.

The secondary is very spotty at times, which is not good when you have to face Daunte Culpepper and Brett Favre twice a year. Dre Bly is an All-Pro caliber player every year, but the rest of the guys are average at best. The Lions made a play to get Ty Law, but he decided to sign with the Jets.

Also…The offensive line is above average, but it'll be interesting to see how they line up at the all important right tackle position. If Kyle Kosier or Kelly Butler struggle it will put the QB in jeopardy.
The linebacking corps remains the same, with Teddy Lehman, Earl Holmes, and the returning Boss Bailey. Bailey was gone all last season with a knee injury; it is important that he stay healthy as he is the best of the bunch in pass coverage.

Overall…With the weapons drafted on offense and Mariucci and GM Matt Millen bringing in at least a "serviceable" defense, the Detroit Lions are primed and ready to compete for the playoffs. However, they must decide on one quarterback, whether it's Harrington or Garcia.
The Packers are still tough and the Vikings upgraded their defense tremendously, so division will be tough. The Lions are on the fringe of anywhere between 8-8 and 10-6. Whether they win the close games or not will tell the tale. Playoffs? It's a toss up.
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