Why the Detroit Lions passing game is in good hands

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 12: Golden Tate
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 12: Golden Tate /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 16: The Detroit Lions celebrate a touchdown by T.J. Jones #13 of the Detroit Lions during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on December 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 16: The Detroit Lions celebrate a touchdown by T.J. Jones #13 of the Detroit Lions during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on December 16, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Perhaps the Lions most overlooked receiver is T.J. Jones. Last season Jones was steady and dependable. He was a pro that just continued to make plays. While he certainly wasn’t as flashy as Golladay or Tate, he was reliable. He is one of the reasons that the Lions can line up in a four receiver set and make opponents pay no matter who the ball is thrown to.

The bonus would have to be how good tight end Luke Willson has looked so far this offseason. Second year pro Michael Roberts, who is expected to be the teams tight end of the future, is working hard to improve his game and even a rookie free agent receiver like Teo Redding has been impressing everyone too.

This isn’t even mentioning what a weapon Theo Riddick is out of the backfield and how Ameer Abdullah could also contribute as well.

This team that had been notorious for being among the league leaders in dropped passes not too long ago has gone the opposite direction. They seem to be fielding pass catchers that will make the routine play and often the spectacular as well.

This passing game that more or less carried the team last season, has not stood still. They have added talent and depth plus their returning players are all working very hard to improve themselves. On paper, there isn’t any facet of this offense that doesn’t seem to be improved from last year. And while no games are won on paper, the fact that they look like they have improved is a start.

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The Detroit Lions still have weaknesses on this team and will need to find answers for them. But with the additions to the ground game, a promising group of receivers that could be as deep as any in the NFL and a veteran quarterback who is currently playing the best ball of his career; there is reason to believe this offense is in good hands.