Detroit Lions: The more the NFL changes, the more it stays the same

The Lions defense made huge strides this past season. With the addition of more pieces that fit Matt Patricia’s scheme, it should only get better. This is the part of the team that is undeniably on the upswing.

The question mark will be the offense.

The ground game proved it had a pulse this past season and a star in the making. The Lions averaged over 100 yards rushing a game for the first time in what seems like forever. Kerryon Johnson also exploded on the scene proving to be as versatile as he was elusive.

General manager Bob Quinn will need to add to the offensive line and at least one more ball-carrier that can be counted on to help out, but running the ball should be a strength, which means the Lions have a good start.

Obviously fixing Matthew Stafford and generating an opportunistic passing game that can also stretch the field is a big part of the equation as well. But Stafford has had some pretty good seasons recently, until this year, and a couple of key acquisitions can make the receiving corps good enough for it to work.

However, despite the question marks that especially surround the passing game and the fans who feel like the Lions are on the brink of another failed regime, there is evidence that they might be heading in the right direction.

The throwback style of building this franchise through defense and running the ball may not be as popular as the all-out passing assaults today’s NFL subscribes to, but after the Super Bowl, throwback defense and balanced, opportunistic offense is still a recipe for championship success.