By Eric “Big E” Jacinto:
2013 Detroit Lions
2012 Record: 4-12 (4th In NFC North) Missed the Playoffs
Head Coach: Jim Schwartz
2013 Detroit Lions’ Schedule: click here to view!
The Detroit Lions had a really disappointing season last year after a season in which they made the playoffs but lost to the New Orleans Saints in the Wild card round. The Lions lost a lot of close games 7 of the 12 losses were by eight points or less. Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford had disappointing season himself only throwing for 20 touchdown passes and 17 INTs. Unlike in 2011, he threw for 41 touchdown passes and one less INT 16. He threw for half of what he did in 2011, plus he was real disappointment in fanatsy football for a lot of people including myself, as I drafted him in two leagues within the first two rounds, as many fans were disappointed in he’s performance. Long time placekick, Jason Hanson retired from the NFL after 21 season all with the Lions and the Lions signed veteran placekicker and former Philadelphia Eagle and San Francisco 49er David Akers to a one year deal. Akers only spent two seasons with the 49ers as he spent most of he’s career with the Eagles from 1999-2010. The Lions also signed running backReggie Bush to a four year deal worth $16 mill. Bush is a good addition to the team as he will help spread the field as he’s another weapon for Stafford.
Lions’ Off-Season Moves:
Key Additions: Reggie Bush, (RB, Free Agent Signing), David Akers, (K, Free Agent Signing), Ezekiel Ansah, (DE, Drafted), Matthew Stafford, (QB, Resigned to new three year deal worth $53 million).
Key Departures: Jason Hanson, (K, Retired) Jeff Backus, (OT, Retired), Titus Young, (WR, Released), Kyle Vanden Bosch, (DE, UFA), Cliff Avril, (DE, Signed with the Seattle Seahawks, Jahvid Best, (RB, Released).
Biggest Questions heading into the season:
Can the Reggie Bush be that running back weapon that the Lions need to make a run at the playoffs again? And can the Lions win the close games that they couldn’t last season?
Big E’s Final Thoughts and Prediction:
The Lions have a nice balance attack with the addition of Reggie Bush but they don’t have that other wide receiver on the opposite of Calvin Johnson to help out Stafford when Johnson is being double teamed which he will be a lot. I’m sure somebody can step up and probably will, maybe perhaps second year wide out Ryan Broyles could be that guy can he stay healthy? That’s the question and Nate Burleson isn’t good enough to be the second WR and plus he’s old too and can’t stay healthy either.
Big E’s Prediction:
7-9 (4th in the NFC North): The Lions are just in a division with three teams that are better than them. They will be in the wild card hunt for most of the season but at the end they will come up shot because either they will lose that key game that they needed to win or lose to a really bad team.
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