Detroit Lions: Will it be the return of the Silver Rush?

The Detroit Lions have made some key moves to improve the defensive line which seems to have become a strength. But will it be good enough?

The Detroit Lions are feeling pretty good about themselves. As a matter of fact, many fans are feeling cautiously optimistic as well.

This past offseason general manager Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia feel like they filled many holes and increased the depth. The tight end position has seemingly gone from a tremendous weakness to a strength. There seems to be more overall depth on the roster and the defensive line, which finished last season playing well, seems to have become even more talented.

Everything the Lions have done has to be proven on the field, but there is certainly reason for the fans to have optimism. Even if it’s cautious optimism.

While games and championships are won on the field, they are built in the offseason through the draft and free agency. Then forged during OTA’s and training camp. If the proper mix of talent has been accumulated, then it comes down to coaching to bring it to fruition.

The Detroit Lions are a team that has traditionally had few stars collectively on the roster at the same time and fewer clues as to how to win games without shooting themselves in the foot and allowing their opponent a free pass to the end zone and a victory over the ‘same old Lions’.

After last season’s disappointing 6-10 record some fans just aren’t ready to believe the Lions could bounce back and make a run at the playoffs. Others think there was a silver lining in last years drop to the bottom of the division.

The truth is that in order for Matt Patricia to have success, basically tearing down last years team was necessary. In order to run Patricia’s scheme, he needed a different breed of athlete than what was on the roster. So there could be no step forward without going backward first.