Detroit Lions: Early concerns for 2015

Special Teams

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Jeremy Ross (12) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

If special teams were a horse, then it’s a horse I’ve beaten to death over the course of the offseason. The Lions have ranked near the bottom of the league in special teams the last three years in a row, finishing 31st in 2014 per Football Outsiders. Last season the Lions went through three kickers and lost a game or two due to special teams gaffes. A poor return game was the cherry on top.

The Lions hired former Houston Texans special teams coach Joe Marciano to replace John Bonamego, who left the Lions to take the head coaching position at Central Michigan in February. The problem is that Marciano doesn’t seem to be a better option at all. After a decent start in Houston that included the 2nd ranked specials teams in 2005, Marciano’s group finished dead last or around dead last in his final few years in Houston. ultimately leading to his termination.

On top of that, the Lions did not make any moves during the offseason to secure themselves a better return man and ultimately decided to retain Jeremy Ross. If the Lions can’t fix this problem, it could result in a loss or two yet again in 2015.

Next: Development of lower tier receivers