5 reasons the Detroit Lions make the playoffs in 2018
After some major offseason changes, including the hiring of a new head coach, here are five reasons the Detroit Lions will make it to the playoffs in 2018.
This offseason, the Detroit Lions made a defining statement. They proved that they are unwilling to be simply a “good enough” team.
Under former head coach Jim Caldwell, that’s exactly what the Motor City was for the past four yeas. Just “good enough”. Good enough to record three winning seasons and earn themselves two playoff berths in that span. But not “good enough” to actually post their first postseason victory since 1992.
The Lions could have kept the status quo, hoping that one day Caldwell’s methods would eventually led to playoff success. But after four years, and following a 9-7 season without a visit to the postseason, general manager Bob Quinn had seen enough.
Coming to Detroit from the New England Patroits organization back in 2016, Quinn had inherited Caldwell as the Lions’ head coach. And the talented executive waited two years before inserting his own guy, former Patroits’ defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, as Detroit’s new head coach.
By doing so, this Lions organization is saying they are unwilling to just be “good enough”. They want to be great. And that’s why I believe Detroit is set to have unprecedented success in 2018. Here are my five reasons as to why I think the Lions are playoff bound.
#1. The Lions Passing Game
Wisely, Patricia decided to leave the Lions’ passing game relatively intact, keeping offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter amidst a flurry of coaching changes. Giving quarterback Matthew Stafford another season under Cooter plus more time to build chemistry with a talented trio of receivers means this positional group should rank among the top five of passing offenses in the NFL.
#2. A Semblance of a Running Game
The Lions don’t need much of a running game considering the offensive firepower they have with Stafford under center. What Detroit needs is a consistent rushing attack that can get convert on third & short and around the goal-line. With new running backs LeGarrette Blount and rookie Kerryon Johnson in the backfield, the Lions should be a much more balanced offense this year.
#3. Offensive Line investment pays off
Ever since Quinn arrived in Detroit, he’s been building this offensive line. With the selection of Arkansas center Frank Ragnow in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, this O-line in Detroit is finally complete. If this group can stay healthy, the Lions will field a starting five that will rival the best offensive lines in the NFL.
#4. Matt Patricia’s Defensive Scheme
The Lions’ season really hinges on whether Patricia’s defensive scheme can transfer from New England to Detroit seamlessly. In the Lions, the first-time head coach finds himself having a more talented defense than the one he had with the Pats. If Patricia can transform this group into a Super Bowl caliber squad in Year One, Detroit should post that first playoff win in over 25 years.
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#5. Young Talent Steps Up
The Lions have so much young talent across their roster. From players like wide receiver Kenny Golladay, defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, tight end Michael Roberts, linebacker Jarrad Davis and cornerback Teez Tabor; if these young players are able to take another step in their development, Detroit will field one the most talented rosters in the entire league.