Jeff Okudah has been brought in from Ohio State to solidify this Lions defence but there are more holes to fill before they can compete for a playoff position.
Home games: Chicago, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Washington, Houston, Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Minnesota.
Road games: Green Bay, Arizona, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Minnesota, Carolina, Chicago, Tennessee.
Projected record: 5-11
The Lions have become one of those teams no one really talks about.
It’s hard to identify with their best players and they sit comfortably behind all three of their divisional rivals.
Matthew Stafford is a solid starting quarterback with great arm talent but he is 69-79 with one tie. He’s appeared in three playoff matches without a victory.
From 2011-2018, Stafford never missed a game but last season, he was limited to just eight games through injury.
Is he taking the Lions forward? That’s the question many will be asking, both inside and outside the Lions facility.
Stafford is under contract through the 2022 season but we know moves get made when teams decide to go in a different direction. Should the Lions struggle early this season, chatter around Stafford’s future will grow.
What is put around Stafford is also of concern.
Desmond Trufant arrives from Atlanta to man one corner whilst the Lions used the No. 3 overall pick in the draft to select Ohio State corner Jeff Okudah.
Former Patriots defenders Jamie Collins, Danny Shelton and Duron Harmon have joined coach Matt Patricia after playing for him in New England.
Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay are a nice pair of receivers alongside another former Patriot in Danny Amendola.
Half a dozen years ago I travelled all the way to Detroit, Michigan to watch their box office receiver, Calvin Johnson. Ironically – or sadly – was injured and failed to play making my trip nearly a waste of time.
Currently, there’s not very many reasons to go and watch the Lions and it’s hard to see that changing…
Josh Jenkins Sports 