Five Reasons Detroit Lions Will Contend
By Joe Chapp
Aug 13, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) evades a tackle from New York Jets free safety Calvin Pryor (25) during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Weapons Galore
Matthew Stafford is spoiled, like an only child Stafford has been spoiled with a bunch of weapons that might prove to be completely unfair this season.
The Lions drafted Eric Ebron last year, and it was just a “disappointing” show. Ebron missed a few games, and wasn’t involved in the offense like he should be.
Ebron struggled, but many tight ends have struggled in their rookies years, Jimmy Graham and Tony Gonzalez.
Tony Gonzalez said to Jim Rome last November, “It’s tough as a tight end to make the transition to the NFL coming out of college, it’s an experience”
I expect Eric Ebron to be outstanding in his second year, not because he was top ten pick. He just has the talent to be a outstanding tight end in the NFL.
With the weapons like Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Ameer Abdullah and Joique Bell – Eric Ebron will get a lot of good looks.
The Lions have two wide receivers that could be #1 WR’s on most teams, specifically Calvin Johnson however Golden Tate proved last year, he could do the same.
Tate led the Lions in receiving yards, it’s the first time since 2007 that a receiver not named Calvin Johnson led the Lions in receiving yards.
Golden Tate is one of the “surest hands” on the Lions by far, it’s scary saying that; but Calvin Johnson has had his fair share of drops, and Golden Tate has one of the best drop percentages in the NFL.
The Lions tandem of Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate is a great duo that when healthy can give defense’s matchup nightmares.
There’s more, last year the Lions offensive line wasn’t good which resulted in Stafford’s average year, and a mediocre running game.
The Lions made a emphasis on the offensive line and the run game especially in the first two rounds, landing Laken Thomlinson and Ameer Abdullah.
Ameer Abdullah will be a force he displays vision, speed, and agility that haven’t been seen in the backfield since Jahvid Best who’s career ended way too short.
Never the less, the thunder and lighting is back in Detroit, with the addition of Abdullah and the hard runner in Bell, the Lions if the offensive line is up to par could have a outstanding run game, which translates to success for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
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