Fansided

5 reasons the Detroit Lions will return to playoffs in 2017

By John Buhler

January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell looks on during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Lions won 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell looks on during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Lions won 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

3. A lot to like with this coaching staff

This is something that tends to get overlooked. The Lions have themselves a solid coaching staff with a proven head coach in Jim Caldwell and two strong coordinators in offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.

Together, they give the Lions balance and a foundation that can breed success. Austin will eventually be an NFL head coach one day. He is adept at generating a pass rush and is starting to get some great play from his secondary. Detroit can get better against the run, but Austin’s defense was a major reason the Lions played in and won so many close games.

Forget about his interesting name because Cooter can flat-out coach the quarterback position. Since taking over mid-season in 2015 as offensive coordinator we’ve seen Stafford become the best version of himself as an NFL passer.

They have a great rapport and had some great success in the experimental offense this season. Detroit lacked high-profile weapons, a consistent running game and a busted Stafford finger to work around. Stafford and Cooter can grow together for the foreseeable future.

Caldwell’s even keel allows the Lions to not get too high or too low. He knows his offensive personnel and is aware enough to surround himself with solid defensive coaches. Whether or not this is intentional, Caldwell and his staff are cultivating a Lions team that can thrive in on-field chaos. Playoff teams do that weekly.

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