The offseason has been kind to the Detroit Lions. They accomplished much more in free agency and filling needs in general than last year. The difference between this year’s roster and last seasons is easily noticeable and should cause much less last-second scrounging to find players like last season.
That doesn’t mean the job is done or that Quinn and Patricia won’t strike quickly to get a piece that fits the Lions scheme or fills a perceived need, but it means they have very few glaring holes on the roster.
As a matter of fact, the most glaring hole would appear to be left guard which is about the only starting position that doesn’t seem to have a clear cut favorite to be lined up there on opening day.
It also means that there are weaknesses that have become strengths, like the tight end position and the defensive line. Both of those groups floundered last season. The defensive line raised its play with the addition of Damon Harrison and the development of Da’Shawn Hand. They will have help this year.
Meanwhile, the tight ends didn’t even display a pulse. But this season they have what is considered the most complete tight end to enter the NFL in at least a decade along with some talented free-agent acquisitions that should have the fan base feeling very positive about how much that position should be able to contribute this year.
So while there is always more work that can be done to improve any team, the Lions have nothing to be shy about. They have enough talent to be very competitive and reach their goals.
Now we realize that both Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia have adopted the motto of their former team the New England Patriots, that information will be given out on a need to know basis only. Which means they’ll only tell the press what they want to know if the league makes them.
So despite the fact they have been unwilling to make public their goals for this coming season, you can absolutely bet that bouncing back from last years disappointing campaign and making the playoffs is at the top of that list.