Detroit Lions, fans provide blueprint for 2020 uncertainty

Detroit Lions reasons for hope

Starting with the best quarterback in franchise history, which sounds like a dubious distinction for a team that hasn’t played for an NFL Title since 1957, Matthew Stafford remains near the top of the quarterback pile.

Often sneered at by national writers for not taking a 31st-ranked defense to the Super Bowl or a division title, Stafford was enjoying his own renaissance in offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s offense in 2019. Prior to being injured, he was on pace for near 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns.

Of course, no quarterback takes the worst defense to the Super Bowl but don’t mess with their narrative. Now healthy, Stafford also returns all of his targets from 2019, some new talent to block for him, and an additional young pair of legs in rookie running back D’Andre Swift who was easily one of the top prospects available. He is one of us, beaten down but not spent, and committed to seeing his efforts rewarded.

Number one receiver, Kenny Golladay, is up for a pay raise this summer but along with Marvin Jones, Jr., T.J. Hockenson, and Danny Amendola, the Lions have the best collection of hands in Stafford’s career. The offense is the main source of hope coming into this uncertain period.

However, as much as these factors foretell positive effects for the team, there are plenty of things that need to fall into place. The offense has Top-5 potential if they can find balance, stay healthy,  and keep Stafford upright for significant stretches.