2015 NFL Preview: Lions look to make playoffs in back-to-back seasons
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Detroit Lions
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 11-5 | Lost in wild-card round |
The Lions overcame two disappointing losses in the first five weeks to get on a roll and eventually secure one of the NFC's wild-card spots. Despite the 11-5 record, the Lions only beat one playoff team - the Green Bay Packers - in Week 3, struggling to compete with top teams throughout the season.
Highlight of 2014
This play, in addition to being a beautiful catch and run by Golden Tate, was a pivotal one in the season. Down by 13 points to the New Orleans Saints with under four minutes left, the Lions went on to win this game by one point thanks, in part, to Tate's quick strike.
Preseason Power Ranking - #15
The Lions have talent at many crucial positions but it's tough to trust a franchise that hasn't put together back-to-back playoff appearances in 20 years. Losing impact players on defense may sink this team if the offense can't get back to 2011 heights. More ...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Jim Caldwell
Offensive Coordinator: Joe Lombardi
Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
The Lions will need to overcome the perception that they are a fluke contender by beating good teams and it wouldn't hurt to finally win a game at Lambeau Field. They will get plenty of opportunities to prove themselves early in the season with a brutal opening four games: on the road against the San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings, and then facing the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.
If the Lions can come out of that early stretch 2-2 with a win over the Broncos or Seahawks they could be set up for another trip to the playoffs.
Key Additions
- DT Haloti Ngata
- RB Ameer Abdullah (2nd round)
- WR Lance Moore
- DT Tyrunn Walker
Key Departures
- DT Ndamukong Suh
- DT Nick Fairley
- RB Reggie Bush
- DT C.J. Mosley
You could do worse than replacing Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley's production with five-time Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata and under the radar prospect Tyrunn Walker. Replacing Suh's playmaking, in particular, will need to be dispersed throughout the entire defensive line.
Upgrading the big-play role Reggie Bush was supposed to play was huge with the Lions selecting running back Ameer Abdullah in the second-round of the draft. Keeping Abdullah healthy will be a strong priority as he continues to impress in the preseason.
Bold Predictions
Matthew Stafford will lead the NFL in touchdown passes. Stafford threw 41 touchdowns in 2011 but has dipped down into the 20s in every season since then. With a healthy Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate paired on the outside, an emergent Eric Ebron working the middle of the field and Ameer Abdullah doing damage out of the backfield, Stafford is poised for a huge year. - David P. Woods
The Lions will snap their 23-game road losing streak against the Packers. The Lions have not won in the state of Wisconsin since 1991, an unbelievable streak that will come to an end this year as the monkey will be taken off the Lions' collective backs Nov. 15, following a bye week. - Joe Thomson
Golden Tate will record more receiving yards than Calvin Johnson. Johnson is still undoubtedly one of the NFL's top wide receivers, and all indications are that he's in for a bounce back year after having the chance to get healthy during the offseason. With opposing defenses placing a focus on him in coverage, however, don't be surprised if Tate takes full advantage and actually tops Johnson in receiving yards. - Dan Wilkins