The 10 keys for the Detroit Lions to return to the playoffs

Offense

We’ll start off with the Lions strength; offense.

The Lions were one of the top offenses in the league last season without the aid of a running game. They spent the offseason working hard to upgrade that weakness and feel like they are ready to put up big numbers on the scoreboard.

Here are the five keys to making that dream come true;

5) Tight end production

The tight end position is the biggest concern on offense to most fans, but the truth of the matter is that while a solid season of production from this group will make a notable difference in the overall production of the Lions offense, it still doesn’t rank higher than being the fifth key.

The main names we will be watching are veteran Luke Willson who was signed as a free agent from Seattle and second-year pro Michael Roberts.

Both are considered unknown commodities. Willson contributed off the bench in Seattle and Roberts never really had many opportunities last year in the Lions passing game. Either one or the other or both will need to be at least ‘adequate’ to complement the Lions’ talented receiving corps.

4) Kerryon Johnson

Matt Patricia has already come out on record as saying the Lions will run the ball by committee, but the bulk of the carries will probably be divided between Johnson and free agent acquisition LeGarrette Blount. There is nothing wrong with this idea except that Blount is a nine-year veteran power back. The chances are pretty good that Patricia will not want to overwork him.

That means that while there will be a ‘carry by committee’ mindset, barring an injury, Johnson will most likely get the bulk of the carries this season. The fact that he is most likely going to be their feature back of the future or at least garner the majority of the carries, means that the Lions do not want to waste any time getting him the ball.

A strong season by Johnson with some acceptably decent help will mean the Lions ground game will be doing its job and the entire offense will be better for it.

3) Offensive line

Everyone had to know this was coming sooner or later. It just probably surprises everyone it came this quickly.

We all know about last years additions which didn’t matter because of all the injuries and the lack of quality depth. This year the Lions drafted two quality offensive linemen in Frank Ragnow and Tyrell Crosby. They also added more depth in free agency. If healthy, this unit has the potential to be quite good.

The additional depth also means they are better suited to survive an injury or two, but if the whole line goes down like last year then all bets are off.

If this unit can open holes for the backs and protect Stafford, then the Lions will be able to play ball control and wide open big play offense at any time they choose and force opposing defenses to adjust to them. Needless to say, success here will go a long way towards the success of this offense.

2) Health

This is the key to any teams ability to make a run at the playoffs or a championship. One key injury can ruin a whole season for a team. As I just mentioned, injuries derailed the offense last year because of the turnstile on the O-line. If they can stay reasonably healthy, because injuries can, will and have already happened, then this unit has a very bright outlook.

1) Matthew Stafford

When all is said and done Matthew Stafford is the most important player on this team. If he were to get injured for any period of time, then turn out the lights, the parties over.

He has progressively improved over the last few seasons under Jim Bob Cooter and for the most part, carried this team to any success they have experienced. His continual play like a franchise quarterback is what can literally be the difference between a 5-9 or a 10-6 finish.

The man deserves his due and as long as he’s here in the Motor City, as Stafford goes, so will the Lions.