2008 NFL Preview > Detroit Lions Preview

2008 Detroit Lions Football Preview

Head Coach: Rod Marinelli

2007 Record: 7-9

Key Additions: DE Cliff Avril, CB Leigh Bodden, OT Gosder Cherrilus, LB Jordan Dizon, DT Andre Fluellen, CB Brian Kelly, S Dwight Smith, RB Kevin Smith

Key Losses: OLB Boss Bailey, CB Fernando Bryant, RB Kevin Jones, LB Teddy Lehman, DT Shaun Rogers, OL Damien Woody

Somehow, Matt Millen still has his job. What exactly would it take in order for Millen to be fired? Apparently not incompetence, which is sadly all the former linebacker has provided during his tenure as general manager with Detroit. The Lions won seven games last season largely due to a high powered passing offense. So what did Detroit do? They fired offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who reportedly quarreled with head coach Rod Marinelli over Marinelli’s desire for a more traditional, balanced attack.

2008 Detroit Lions Offense:

The Lions passing game was one of the lone bright spots in another horrid season for Detroit fans. The receiving corps is among the most talented in the league. Both Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams have superstar talent, but still must exhibit more consistency for an entire season. Shaun McDonald is an able slot receiver as well. Jon Kitna has played decently the past couple years as a starter, throwing for 39 touchdown passes, albeit with 42 interceptions… alright, maybe decently for Jon Kitna. However, Kitna’s numbers will likely go down without the pass happy Martz around. Tatum Bell and rookie Kevin Smith will share the carries out of the backfield. Bell is a pure speedster who has had past issues with fumbling and staying healthy and Smith is a power back out of South Florida. Millen his hoping first round pick Gosder Cherrilus will help boost a sub par offensive line which struggles in both phases of the game.

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2008 Detroit Lions Defense:

The Lions defense was absolutely pitiful in 2007, finishing dead last in both points allowed and yardage yielded. Millen responded with his usual flair, trading the Lions second best defender, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to the Browns for cornerback Leigh Bodden and a draft pick. Bodden should help the secondary however, as will the addition of cornerback Brian Kelly, who is familiar with Marinelli’s Cover 2 scheme. The defensive line lacks a standout pass rusher or run stopper and may be the worst in the entire league. Ernie Simms is a terror at outside linebacker, and should easily lead the team in tackles once again. The team is hoping 2 nd round pick Jordan Dizon can make a successful bid at middle linebacker. Overall, the secondary should be improved against the pass, but the defense as a whole may be worse against the run in 2008.

2008 Detroit Lions Special Teams:

Consistent place kicker Jason Hanson is back for his 16th season with the club. Aveion Cason will most likely return kicks while Devale Ellis is penciled in to handle punts. Nick Harris is the punter.

2008 Detroit Lions Expectations:

The Lions really have not seemed to improve much in the offseason. Their defense looks like it still may be the worst in the NFL. The offense might actually lose some of its potency due to Martz’s departure. However, don’t be surprised to see a marked improvement from Calvin Johnson this season. Unfortunately for Lions fans, the playoffs are again extremely unlikely.

2008 Detroit Lions Prediction: 4th place in the NFC North

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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