What the Detroit Lions must do to return to the playoffs

Establish offense in Lombardi’s 2nd year

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re comfortable with the Lions offense, then I must ask why? The Lions ranked 19th in total offense in 2014 and often had a hard time out of the gate. That’s not to say it was all bad. What the Lions did do well was begin a total system re-wire.

Matthew Stafford was the top priority in the re-wiring initiative. Stafford improved his footwork and decision-making which led to the 2nd highest completion percentage and lowest interception total of his career. However, any time a quarterback gets sacked 45 times in one season, it really hinders the offenses production.

The offensive line was seemingly reborn this offseason. especially during the NFL Draft. Picking up guards Laken Tomlinson and Manny Ramierez, as well as tackle Corey Robinson. The Lions weeded out guys like Dominic Raiola and Reggie Bush and picked up day one contributors in Ameer Abdullah and Michael Burton.

The Lions have made protecting Matthew Stafford and successfully running the ball the top priority this offseason. Going back to the last slide, when a team cannot run the ball, they become one-dimensional. The Lions felt that burden last season ranking 28th in the league. The Lions must become a balanced offense in Joe Lombardi’s 2nd year. If they can’t, the playoffs could quickly become a fleeting dream.

Next: Continue to buy into the sytstem