Detroit Lions: Opportunity is knocking, but will they answer?
By Robert Jones
So as we prepare to watch the Lions return to the field against the Miami Dolphins today, we all can’t help but wonder which team will suit up? All the years of inconsistency have left this fan base a little jaded. But if we look carefully at this current incantation of the Detroit Lions, there is actually a reason to have hope.
General manager Bob Quinn hand-picked Matt Patricia to be the one to turn this franchise around. To break the curse of 60 years of frustration and agony for Lions fans and lead this team to the promised land.
It hasn’t been an easy assignment for Patricia and his staff early on. The preseason showed absolutely no signs of improvement or consistency, which caused concern among some of us as the regular season started. Yet, despite the less than stellar 2-3 start, it does appear that the sun will still rise tomorrow.
Let’a start with the fact that it certainly appears that the Lions may have finally fixed the ground game. It was the point of emphasis this past offseason. With a draft that included guard Frank Ragnow in the first round and running back Kerryon Johnson in the second round.
Ragnow has improved each week and after a shaky start in pass protection, he has come on to become a true strength on the Lions offensive line, which has evolved into a pretty good unit.
Matthew Stafford has enjoyed pass protection the likes of which he hasn’t seen before, allowing him to stay clean and make plays down the field. Meanwhile, the run game has become reliable.
LeGarrette Blount was brought in to get the tough short yardage and be a mentor to the Lions other backs, Theo Riddick is being Theo Riddick and Kerryon Johnson is displaying his diverse talents on a weekly basis.
Johnson appears to be a star on the rise. He can do everything and is easily the best back the Lions have employed since the living legend; Barry Sanders. While the offense has not quite fired on all cylinders yet, it’s close and still a danger to opposing defenses.
The big question is the Lions defense…