Why the Detroit Lions are going to prove everyone wrong
By Ryan Russell
As the 2019 NFL season approaches rapidly, let’s take a look at the Detroit Lions and what has been assembled in the Motor City under the Lions’ brass.
Here we are, weeks away from the opening snap of the 2019 season and the Detroit Lions have been counted out by nearly every media outlet in the nation, already … again. As this isn’t anything new for the Lions’ fanbase, let me try and explain to you why Detroit is going to prove everyone wrong.
We have all heard about the splash signings Detroit has made this offseason with the likes of defensive end Trey Flowers, slot cornerback Justin Coleman, tight end Jesse James, wide receiver Danny Amendola, running back C.J. Anderson and the newest addition, defensive tackle Mike Daniels. Even with this slew of high profile players coming in, Detroit is still pegged to finish as one of the worst teams in 2019.
As these really we’re some great additions for the Detroit Lions, it’s not the whole story here. These signings are just one part of the puzzle. There is much more going on in Detroit than what has been circulating throughout the media. The Detroit Lions have been secretly assembling a championship level coaching staff as well.
In 2018, Detroit brought in offensive line coach Jeff Davidson and the impact was felt promptly. Davidson has 25 years of NFL coaching experience, 16 of which has been primarily with offensive lineman. From 2008-2015, Davidson’s teams have finished in the top five in rushing in five seasons out of the seven.
Davidson also has six seasons that his units have finished in the top 10 for sacks given up in that span. From 1997-2004, he was the tight ends coach and assistant offensive line coach for the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX).
The Lions signed running backs coach Kyle Kaskey in the 2019 offseason. Formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals where he held the same position, Kaskey coached running back Jeremy Hill to 1100 yards in 2014.
Hill played in all 16 games, but only had eight starts, that’s impressive. In 2018 Kaskey coached the Bengals’ second-year running back Joe Mixon to nearly a 1200 yard season in just 14 games played, leading the AFC in rushing.