5 Things the Detroit Lions Must Do Well in 2016

The Detroit Lions had a busy offseason that featured the retirement of star wide receiver Calvin Johnson and the hiring of general manager Bob Quinn. The club retained head coach Jim Caldwell, but the latter may need to have a winning season to keep his job.

The Detroit Lions are a team in transition and this is a make or break season for several people involved in the organization, namely head coach Jim Caldwell.

New general manager Bob Quinn did not hire Caldwell so he is under no obligation to retain him if the Lions struggle this season and fail to make the playoffs again.

It’ll be an uphill climb for the Lions this season for a variety of reasons, most notably the retirement of prolific wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Johnson was the focal point of Detroit’s offense for the past ten years. He leaves a big hole to fill now that he’s retired. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, who took over at midseason in 2015, will have to spread the ball around and get as many receivers involved if the Lions to replace some of Johnson’s production.

The Lions have a lot of question marks to entering the 2016 season. If they do these five things, they could answer some of those questions.

1. Spread the Ball Around Offensively: The only way to replace Calvin Johnson’s production is to spread the ball around. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has to find a way to get equatable touches for wideouts Golden Tate and Marvin Jones, tight end Eric Ebron and running back Theo Riddick among others. If the Lions spread the ball around and give their playmakers an opportunity to make plays, they’ll replace some of Johnson’s production.

Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Delvin Breaux (40) tackles Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) during the second quarter a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Run the Football: Another way to replace some of Johnson’s production is to run the football. The Lions need to get more production on the ground from Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick. A more balanced approach should help the Lions offensively.

3. Get Quality Quarterback Play: Seven-year pro Matthew Stafford now has a chance to prove that he is a franchise quarterback. Johnson was Stafford’s go to guy, his security blanket. With him gone, Stafford now has to prove that he can make his teammates better by playing like an elite quarterback.

4. Stop the Run: The Lions had the best run defense in the NFL in 2014. That wasn’t the case last season as the Lions finished 19th in the league in yards allowed on the ground. Detroit gave up a disappointing 113 yards per game on the ground and that’s a problem in a division with the likes of Adrian Peterson and Eddie Lacy.

The Lions need to stop the run much more consistently and get opposing offenses into second- and third-and-long situations.

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5. Be Aggressive On Both Sides of the Ball: The Lions need to be more aggressive on both sides of the ball. They need to take more chances offensively and more significantly, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin needs to bring more pressure when it comes to opposing quarterbacks.

The Lions rely way too much on defensive end Ziggy Ansah to generate a pass rush. The talented pro totaled 14.5 of the team’s 43 sacks this past season.

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