Detroit Lions: State of the franchise and your fandom

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions hands the football off to Kerryon Johnson #33 in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 11, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions hands the football off to Kerryon Johnson #33 in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 11, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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Johnson is a young weapon
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions building blocks

Offense

There is a lot of opinion on what pieces the Lions have that they can build around. Particularly, as always, in reference to quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford’s stat line isn’t as good as some years, but it’s pretty good; he’s completed 67% of his passes for 2841 yards, has 17 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, and his rating is almost at 91; that’s through 11 games.

KCW’s opinion is that whether or not Stafford can be a championship quarterback, he’s the best thing we have going into next year at the most important position. Stafford has been a good starter for several years in a row and has done well when supplied with targets and protection.

At some points, he has been Pro Bowl material. Obviously, at points this year he has looked worse than rookies and backups, too.

Sticking with offense, there are a couple of young offensive linemen who are worth keeping around. Frank Ragnow, Taylor Decker, and Graham Glasgow are all young players. Decker may have to switch sides, eventually. Ragnow and Glasgow are both capable of playing any interior position.

In the backfield, Kerryon Johnson is a rookie running back with a lot of ability who looks like he might take over as the full-time starter by next year. Johnson broke the 100-yards rushing mark earlier this year to end a five-year drought. If he returns to the lineup he could break the 1,000-yard mark.

Wide receiver, Kenny Golladay, has been spectacular in his second year, already surpassing 800 yards for the season and looking like he will eclipse the 1,000-yard mark pretty easily. His counterpart on the other side, Marvin Jones, Jr., is also signed through 2021 and is capable of reaching 1,000 yards, as well. Jones is currently on injured reserve, though.

After those few players, the Detroit Lions have filler and expensive free agents that need to be replaced. Perhaps young players like offensive lineman, Tyrell Crosby, or tight end, Michael Roberts can fill in some of the need areas, too. They have not proven much, thus far.

Schedule