The Morning Fix

The Lions are another team that really can’t help but get better. Matthew Stafford had a pretty rough rookie year, but he’s a year older and wiser, he’s healthier, and he’s certainly looking more comfortable this year. He should take a solid step forward, and that alone will help this team out a lot.

The last time the Browns played in Detroit, they blew a 21-point lead in the first half. After the offense regained a six-point lead in the fourth quarter, the defense gave up the winning touchdown with no time on the clock.

The Lions won only two games in 2009, but at least the 38-37 victory was one of the most entertaining games of the NFL season.

It marked a low point for the Cleveland defense.

When the Lions traded with Seattle for Rob Sims last spring, they told him in no uncertain terms why.

“They said they wanted to have (No.) 9 be upright,” Sims said, referring to quarterback Matthew Stafford. “Pass protection has been an issue here in the past. It’s been a big emphasis for us, and that’s one of the things I think I do well and the rest of the guys do well.”

With Sims solidifying the troublesome left guard spot, the Lions’ first-team offensive line has done a better job protecting its quarterbacks this year.