Don’t fall asleep on the Detroit Lions most overlooked addition

The Detroit Lions have improved an already good offense, but there is one player fans shouldn’t be overlooking.

The Detroit Lions believe they have a competitive roster. They believe that the 2020 season will be an opportunity to prove themselves.

Coming off a 3-12-1 season, there is much for the Lions to prove. The majority of it falls on the shoulders of head coach Matt Patricia and his defense.

If everything goes according to plan, then we are only a few short weeks away from training camp opening. The infusion of talent that was added in the offseason will begin to mesh with the returning players from last season.

General manager Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia expect much better results this season. So does new Lions principle owner Sheila Ford Hamp. Considering the turnover on the roster that has occurred since Patricia was hired, there should certainly be a visible improvement.

Every Lions fan would love to see this franchise spring out of the gates and dominate the NFC North. Chances are that won’t happen. But more important than the final record, within reason, will be how these Motor City cats handle themselves on a weekly basis.

If the defense improves enough to be consistently competitive each week and only begrudgingly gives up yards and points, that would be a huge improvement. If the offense takes that next step as expected, then that would also mark improvement that shouldn’t be overlooked.

But the biggest question marks surround the defense and how they fair will tell the tale of success in 2020 more than an offensive explosion. If that side of the ball can even be average, then a whole world of opportunity will open up for the Lions.

And the reason for that is because the offense absolutely looks primed for a big season. Granted cohesiveness on the offensive line will be a major factor, but the skill positions have enough talent to really sparkle.