Detroit Lions: 5 way too early, bold predictions for 2018
As the Detroit Lions rest before the start of training camp, here are five far too early bold predictions for the upcoming 2018 regular season.
The Detroit Lions are just under a month out before training camp starts for the Motor City. Following OTA’s and minicamp, this seems like the perfect time to make some bold predictions about the direction of the Lions in 2018.
With that in mind, here are five of my way too early and bold predictions about this year’s version of the Detroit Lions.
#1. Ziggy Ansah will not lead the team in sacks
This isn’t an indictment of Ansah’s inconsistent play or injury history, but more of an observance of new head coach Matt Patricia’s defensive scheme. Last season, the New England Patroits racked up 42.0 total team sacks, tied for seventh most in the NFL. Yet, no one Pats defender recorded more than 6.5 sacks individually. I think there is a good chance someone not named Ziggy posts more sacks than the aging pass rusher in this system.
#2. Jake Rudock beats Matt Cassel for the primary backup role
According to reports, Matt Cassel split second-team reps with Jake Rudock during the Lions’ minicamp practices. And some seem to believe the veteran quarterback and former Patriot has the inside track for the primary backup position behind starter Matthew Stafford. But Rudock has posted some quality performances during the preseason for Detroit the past two years. Going into his third season, I believe it will be Rudock who outplays Cassel this summer.
#3. Kerryon Johnson is the starter by midseason
Although I believe the Lions will bring him along slowly in part due to his troubling injury history, I believe by midseason second round rookie Kerryon Johnson will be the primary starter at running back and will receive the bulk of the carries. As for veteran LeGarrette Blount, look for Detroit to limit the 31-year old’s snaps and to use him primarily as a short-yardage specialist as the season progresses.
#4. Teez Tabor starts the season opposite Darius Slay
The Lions 2017 second round filer on Teez Tabor will pay off in his second season, as I predict he’ll earn himself the starting job opposite Darius Slay at cornerback this summer. Any concerns about Tabor’s lackluster foot speed will be offset by his excellent football instincts and intelligence. Expect Tabor to earn rave reviews in Patricia’s innovative defensive scheme.
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#5. Michael Roberts posts 10 receiving touchdowns
This may be the boldest prediction of them all. Without Eric Ebron in the lineup, I believe it’s second-year tight end Michael Roberts that is set to exploded as Stafford’s primary redzone target this upcoming season. He’ll face stiff competition from veteran Luke Willson, but I do believe it will be Roberts who emerges as this team’s newest offensive weapon.