Detroit Lions Feel Good About Chances, And Should

As the Detroit Lions get ready to take the practice field at 3:00 on Monday in Allen Park, Michigan, Detroit has a lot to look forward too.

Detroit returns nine defensive starters to a defense that finished 2nd in yards allowed, and overall Detroit had one of the best run defenses — all time — against the run.

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Detroit returns starters to it’s offense like Calvin Johnson, Matt Stafford, Golden Tate and Larry Warford – and with the additions to offensive line to shore up the rushing attack that ranked 28th last year.

Sure, Detroit lost Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley – however don’t tell Lions LB Deandre Levy that, “I don’t think it was just one guy, I believe it was a complete group effort. We’re a team”

The Lions had a great year in year one of a new coaching staff, but just like last year Jim Caldwell isn’t shying away from high expectations.

"“Probably to sum that up, I think you know and realize that most of us that are in this profession set fairly high standards for our entire group. I am optimistic about our entire team, but I know there’s work to be done."

Detroit seeks to make back to back playoff appearances since the 1994 and 1995 seasons, that’s a long time ago.

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Detroit is the last team to report to training camp, but Jim Caldwell has a rhyme and reason for that, “We have a process that we go through in terms of how we go about it, and it doesn’t just start here in the preseason, it’s during the spring. We take a look at the calendar, we try to look at what we’d like to get done and we set a date for when we come in. I think there were a couple other teams that came in yesterday with their veterans, and teams are different in how they go about things. We have our reasons, and it’s not just something that popped up in the air.”

Detroit may be predicted as a team to slip back into Lions mediocrity that has plagued the Lions for decades, but the past is irreverent to the future.

Finally the Detroit Lions have confidence in what they can do, Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin said, “I think it’s easier to come into this situation this year, compared to last year because we know what to expect and know what we’re capable of.”

Detroit enters high expectations the expectations are higher after their playoff appearance, where they suffered a “Controversial loss” – however there’s a lot to be optimistic about.

Detroit did lose a big name player by the name of Ndaumkong Suh, and there’s no replacing a player of that caliber.

However you can cope with the loss, Detroit traded for Haloti Ngata, and signed RFA Tyrunn Walker who is highly regarded throughout the NFL, especially in New Orleans. Where Payton said, “It was a financial decision” – still Walker flew under the radar, Walker had multiple offers including one from the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots.

Walker felt that Detroit was the place to be specifically mentioning, Jim Caldwell and the coaching staff.

A lot of New Orleans Saints writers were adamant about the loss of Walker, Who Dat Dish also of the FanSided Network spoke with Mike Payton (formerly at Detroit Jock City) now at Side Lion Report.

"Which team got the better end of the deal? Was Walker a steal or Did the Saints make the right move by letting him walk?WDD: “The Lions ABSOLUTELY got the steal here. I was disappointed to hear that the Saints failed to tender Walker. Again, he added very solid depth behind Pro Bowl DE Cam Jordan and Akiem Hicks. With all the craziness in the Big Easy over the past week or so, letting him walk was one of the bigger let downs. With Suh and Fairley gone, the Detroit Lions should be happy to have Tyrunn Walker on their side. He could compete immediately”"

Detroit sees progress on his young guys that bodes well into the 2015 season, “I think that we had a good, solid spring and we still have some guys that have to come on at our offensive line position and our defensive line position.” – Caldwell said Sunday.

Detroit is the same team that found a journeyman in George Johnson who had his best season in Detroit, the Lions have found talent in recent years on the offensive and defensive lines, and that’s a great thing.

No one expects Ngata to be Suh, and everyone hopes Walker can be just like Fairley was — minus the injuries. However it doesn’t make or break the Lions even with Suh leaving.

Detroit on the offensive end looks to breakout, Detroit wasn’t a good offensive unit last year. For having the weapons the Lions have at their disposal, It was a let down.

Jim Caldwell sees progress with maturity of Matt Stafford, especially since this offseason Matthew Stafford coordinated workouts with his wide receivers and tight ends, and Caldwell is extremely happy to hear that, “I think it is what it takes in this league for guys to grow closer together within a system. For them to take the initiative and work together, you see that amongst good teams. You don’t often hear about it, but believe me, behind the scenes, they’re doing it. They’re getting together and they’re working and perfecting their craft. Those are good signs.”

Detroit was held back by the offensive line, simply put. Detroit struggled with injuries and depth, and that was a problem.

One of the things I said this offseason was Detroit needed to do was get a couple offensive lineman, and a slot WR, and they did that.

Detroit traded for Manny Ramirez at the draft where they moved back to take Duke Guard, Laken Thomlinson. That was an outstanding move, it added depth at the guard and center position in one round.

Detroit did the little things right, including one of many underrated signings Lance Moore. Now I know what you’re saying Lance Moore? Yes, Detroit has two Wide Receivers who will command attention of defenses, but the signing of Lance Moore was perfect because he knows the playbook, Moore played in New Orleans the same playbook Joe Lombardi runs in Detroit.

It’ll be fun to watch Moore look to rebound from last year, where he didn’t fit in Pittsburgh.

Detroit made the necessary steps to make a trip back to the post season, but Detroit’s progress specifically hinges on how they come out of camp, and is Matthew Stafford finally ready to take the next step.

Questions will be determined soon, It’s football season.

Follow Joe Chapp on Twitter @JoeChappDetroit, and be sure to like Detroit Lions News on Facebook for all content regarding the Lions.

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