Fansided

NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) makes a catch and runs from New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) makes a catch and runs from New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

The Detroit Lions have not won a playoff game since 1991, the longest current streak in the NFL. Detroit has been to the postseason and lost plenty since then, but none of the losses were more controversial or painful than the Wild Card round defeat last season to the Dallas Cowboys. Coming into camp, there is ample motivation to get back and win, but is the talent around?

Detroit watched as the pillars of its defense were stripped away, with Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley leaving in free agency for the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams, respectively. Haloti Ngata was acquired for a pair of late-round picks, but can he make up the difference? Second-year head coach Jim Caldwell will need to do a terrific job to get back into the postseason.

Major Battle

The offensive line has been an issue in recent years for Detroit, and general manager Martin Mayhew tried hard to fix that issue in the offseason. Mayhew was able to draft guard Laken Tomlinson in the second round and traded the night prior for center Manny Ramirez. Ramirez will battle with Travis Swinson, while Tomlinson tries to lock down left guard.

Expectations

It depends on who you ask, but the Lions should either be aiming for a playoff berth or a division title. Detroit has skill on the outside offensively and a solid quarterback, but there are question marks along the line. On defense, this is a team going through ample change. If the postseason becomes a reality for the Lions, it has to be considered a good season.

Next: Minnesota Vikings

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