Detroit Lions: The top 5 things to look for during the MNF opener

Run game rolling?

At this point, it is well documented about how futile Detroit’s rushing game has been for the past few years.

Essentially, since Barry Sanders’ early retirement in 1999, the Lion run game has lacked true difference-making potential.

After standing pat last offseason, this year, general manager Bob Quinn made it a point to aggressively seek out upgrades for the horsepower of Motown’s ground attack.

He went and signed free-agent RB LeGarrette Blount and drafted OG Frank Ragnow, RB Kerryon Johnson, and FB Nick Bawden.

Former offensive line coach Ron Prince was sacked in favor of Jeff Davidson and the services of (the wonderfully named) offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter were retained.

I don’t expect Detroit’s ground game to instantly go from worst to first but I do expect it to not be as paltry as it has been.

Conclusion

Time will tell whether or not these moves will pay off for Detroit in the long run. At this point of the offseason, it’s still so early that there could be plenty of changes to come that will have an effect on the upcoming season.

All five areas that I’ve discussed may or may not have a significant impact during the game versus the Jets and one game does not a season make.

However, with pads and helmets on and the bright, shining, lights of the Monday Night Football crew on hand, the entire nation will be watching both teams play meaningful football.

If the Motor City has any chance of winning the game and establishing a great start to the season, it behooves them to be firing on all cylinders in each area of their gameplan.