NFL: Separating the contenders from the pretenders
Detroit Lions (3-1): Pretenders
Let me know if you’ve heard this before — the Detroit Lions get off to a great start, only to go down in the end.
The Lions are starting like gangbusters once again. They have the number one ranked defense in yards allowed, and rank fourth in points allowed.
The question with them is whether they are going to shoot themselves in the foot…again. Last season, they were in control of the NFC North before choking it away. Will it happen again? They are in first place once again.
The Lions also have a problem on offense. They have the marquee names, with Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Reggie Bush, and added world champion Golden Tate.
With those names on offense, why do the Lions rank 22nd in the NFL in points scored (21.2 points per game)? Why do they rank 26th in the league in rushing (87.2 yards per game)?
With Stafford having the golden arm and Johnson with the golden hands, why do the Lions rank 20th in touchdown receptions, getting just 5 (and Johnson only having two)?
The Lions keep telling you that they have changed. Only time can tell, but as it is now, they are setting up for more of the same.