The Detroit Lions had one of the best offenses in the NFL last year, but there's natural discussion about how they can do it again this year.
Certainly, the Lions will need another productive year from the likes of Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery and Sam LaPorta. But going deeper, they will also need to show the same kind of cohesion they have had.
Dan Campbell likes to run the ball to control the clock and set up deep pass plays, and that's exactly what Barry Sanders wants to see the Lions do again this season. When asked how Detroit can have success again, Sanders provided an unsurprising answer.
"I have to see sort of a continuation of last year. Just the great balance we had. I think we had defenses on their heels last year. In a lot of ways, we were maybe a step ahead of the game. They didn't know where we were coming from. So I would say (I'm looking for) the great balance (again). Obviously, they have just really elite skill all over the place, right? Up front, receivers, tight end had a great year, obviously Jared Goff, running backs. They got a good thing going."
Sanders then put some focus on one player.
Barry Sanders: Jahmyr Gibbs must raise his game even more
With David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit has one of the best running back duos in the NFL. That is of particular interest to Sanders, of course since he played the postion.
Gibbs was a revelation as a rookie last year, rushing for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns while earning a Pro Bowl selection. This season Gibbs isn't going to be surprising anyone or flying under the radar, so Sanders knows he needs to meet that challenge.
"I think understanding that he can enjoy what he did last year, but now there's there's film on him. People have have had a chance to really get a good offseason to see what kind of player he is in this game. So it's not going to get any easier. I think just understanding that it's only going to be more challenging, more difficult. But I'm sure he's up for it."
Another great season from Gibbs would go a long way toward helping the Lions remain a dangerous offense. There are certainly some margins where he can hone his game, and thus elevate the situation.