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NFL: Forecasting the NFC North

By Carlos Nazario

Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (L) and wide receiver Brandon Marshall (R) talk prior to a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (L) and wide receiver Brandon Marshall (R) talk prior to a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions: 8-8

The Lions had a maddening season last year. After nine games, they were 6-3 after finishing a sweep of the Bears and in control of a division where Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler, among others in the division, were injured.

Instead, they went 1-6 the rest of the season, finished in third place and out of the playoffs for the thirteenth time in fourteen years.

The collapse cost Jim Schwartz his job. Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell was hired to try to get this talented but undisciplined team to play consistent football.

The Lions went out and pried Golden Tate from Seattle to try to ease some of the pressure off of All-World receiver Calvin Johnson. Johnson caught 84 passes for 1,492 yards last season, but he had a lot of nagging injuries that concerned the Lions. Tate had 64 passes for 898 yards, so he looks to get quite a few looks himself.

The Lions have a pretty good running back combo in Reggie Bush and Joique Bell. The two became the first running back tandem in NFL history to have 500 yards running and receiving in a season.

Instead of relying so much on Johnson, maybe the Lions could try to spread the ball a little more. They have good weapons on offense, and with the drafting of Eric Ebron at tight end, they have more.

Of course, in order for the offense to play better, the quarterback has to be more consistent. Matthew Stafford has the arm, but his bad mechanics and bad decision-making has kept him from reaching his potential. Caldwell has his work cut out for him to get Stafford’s head on straight.

On defense, the Lions have an excellent front four, headed by Suh. Suh has had his moments of being a knucklehead. A decision looms for the Lions — should they try to sign him to a mega contract, or look to trade him?

The Lions’ start should help them decide the Suh situation. If they start out slow, he could be dealt (though big NFL trades are rare during the season).

The Lions have the reputation of having a lot of flash, but not much substance when it comes to crunch time. If the same happens this season, this team could be broken up.

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