NFL power rankings: Training camp edition
By Brad Weiss
Detroit Lions
, NFC North
The 2016 Detroit Lions had plenty of question marks heading into the season, including how they would replace their biggest weapon on offense. Star wide receiver Calvin Johnson retired after the season, leaving the team with a huge hole in their passing game. Instead of hanging their heads, the Lions went out and earned a Wildcard, although they really let the division slip through their fingers with a late-season collapse.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford had an excellent year under center, proving that he can put up Pro Bowl numbers without Johnson. Marvin Jones and Golden Tate proved to be playmakers, and at one point, the team was 9-4. They lost the final three games of the regular season, and in the Wildcard Round, were blown out by the Seattle Seahawks.
Heading into the 2017 season, their is a ton of confidence around the building. The defensive line is stacked, and first round draft pick, Jarrod Davis could start at middle linebacker. The real issue on the defensive side of the ball is the secondary, where the team may have to go with D.J. Hayden at cornerback. Oakland Raiders fans can attest to the horror show that is Hayden in one-on-one coverage.
Had it not been for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers going nuts and reeling off six straight wins to finish the season, the Lions could have been NFC North champs in 2016. Stafford is really an elite quarterback, and the addition of Matt Asiata gives the team a nice wrinkle in red zone situations. Players like Eric Ebron and Ameer Abdullah are going to have to have big years in 2017, but there is no reason this team cannot make a return trip to the playoffs.