Detroit Lions make their Final Cuts

Sep 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Kellen Moore (17) throws the ball on the run during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Lions beat the Bills 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

There was a time when roster cuts for the Detroit Lions were a predictable affair. The team had a stockpile of ‘favorites’ who always found roster spots even when their performances didn’t merit their making the team. Everyone else was fair game.

In 2014, we saw a trend where entrenched incumbents like Kris Durham & Jonte Green were cut. This was a departure from status quo as the previous administration zealously held onto players who had potential, but didn’t always live up to it on the field.

In 2015, the standard was raised even more as players who had some production weren’t protected from the infamous ‘Turk’ if they failed to produce with consistency. This era of Lions Football demands excellence. Failure to reach this lofty standard has become a terminable offense.

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Sherrick McManis (27) recovers a punt fumbled by Detroit Lions wide receiver Jeremy Ross (12) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Players like Jeremy Ross and Joseph Fauria probably wouldn’t have been cut in another era of Lions football. In all likelihood, they would have remained on the roster until they’d performed some in-game transgression that contributed to a loss.

But that era of Lions Football appears to be a distant memory.

The motif today seems to be if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. This is a stance that Lions haven’t taken in the past; and quite frankly, it’s one they couldn’t afford to adopt until now.

Today your Detroit Lions are bona fide contenders within the NFC North and have aspirations that go far beyond the division.

Per Team Beat Writer Tim Twentyman the Lions will move toward their goals in 2015 without:

Offense

(QB) Kellen Moore

(RB) George Winn & (FB) Emil Igwenagu,

(WR/PR/KR) Jeremy Ross & (WR) Greg Salas

(TE) Joseph Fauria & (TE) Casey Pierce

(OT) Xavier Proctor

Defense

(DE) Larry Webster & (DE) Corey Wootton

(DT) Jermelle Cudjo, (DT) Jerel Worthy & (DT) Kerry Hyder

(LB) Julian Stanford

(CB) Crezdon Butler, (S) Isaiah Johnson (S) Brian Suite & (S) Nate Ness.

Be mindful, Mayhew says “there’s never a finish line when it comes to improving the roster.” The waiver wire, trades and other avenues to acquire talent will remain in play even after the season starts.

There’s also the matter of building the practice squad which may or may not be inclusive of some of the players the Lions have preciously cut.

So what do you think of the team’s roster? Are the Lions good enough to compete for a title as constituted?

Next: Detroit Lions: 2015 Preseason Highlight Reel

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