NFC North: If You're Fearing the Lions...

[Fritz]

I know a number of posters on this site have mentioned the Lions as a team to be wary of in the coming years. One major reason for that is the big d-tackle, N. Suh.

I saw this article on him this morning by Chris McCosky of the Detroit News - it's really not much, at this point, but if you're looking for a sliver of hope that the Lions might (again) self destruct, this gives you just a tiny sliver.

It's not a big deal, just a filler piece, but what the heck. It's the offseason.

http://detnews.com/article/20110610/OPINION03/106100428/1339/sports0101/Appearance-by-Lions%E2%80%99-Suh-all-about-self-promotion

[vince]

It does leave some question as to whether Suh is more focused on himself than winning. That ultimately remains to be seen. So far he's gotten it done on the field pretty well. I like the fact that he matches up mostly with Sitton, who I'd line up across from anyone in the league and like my chances.

[get louder at lambeau]

The Lions have had problems for how long? Barry Sanders couldn't fix them. Suh can't fix them either. Only better management decisions will fix the Lions, and until they prove that they have fixed their historically horrible management, they are still the same old Detroit Lions, talented or not.

I believe the guy running the show over there was part of the Matt Millen administration. I'll wait and see what they can do. They certainly have some talent, but I don't know that they have a complete team quite yet either.

[gbgary]

they're a quarterback, that can stay on the field, away from being our biggest threat.

[Tarlam!]

they're a quarterback, that can stay on the field, away from being our biggest threat.

This. And the secondary wasn't addressed in the draft according to the pundits I read.

I admire the solidarity of the team and the coach. That kind of gelling makes for a great foundation. Ask TT.

Thanks Fritz!

[Deputy Nutz]

This article is bogus. This guy finally had a reason to take a shot at a Suh who won't talk to the local media. This is also the reason why the Packers are not organizing player run practices because players that don't show up to them get crucified from the local tree killers.

[Lurker64]

they're a quarterback, that can stay on the field, away from being our biggest threat.

In the division, maybe. But in the league? Not even close. The Lions defensive back 7 is bad and their OL isn't very good. I think people are getting way too excited about the Lions latest draft, it's almost certainly one that looks better on paper than in reality. It will be hard for Fairley and Suh to play together unless Detroit goes to a 3-4, Fairley has "the worst of Haynesworth" written all over him, Young is a diva whose mindset doesn't match up with his skillset, and LeShoure is fake-tough (a la Lawrence Maroney.) They're certainly on the right track, considering where they've been... but I think anointing them potentially the greatest threat in the division is more a statement about how the Bears are likely declining due to the age of the defense and the Vikings are a disaster than anything else.

[RashanGary]

These are lists compiled by Packer and Lion fans respectively.



1. Aaron Rodgers
2. Charles Woodson
3. Clay Matthews
4. BJ Raji
5. Jermichael Finley
6. Greg Jennings
7. Tramon Williams
8. Nick Collins
9. Josh Sitton
10. Chad Clifton
11. Cullen Jenkins
12. AJ Hawk
13. Ryan Grant
14. Ryan Pickett
15. Scott Wells
16. Desmond Bishop
17. Sam Shields
18. Donald Driver
19. Nick Barnett
20. Jordy Nelson
21. Bryan Bulaga
22. James Jones
23. Vote Now!!!


1. Calvin Johnson
2. Ndomukong Suh
3. Louis Delmas
4. Jeff Backus
5. Cliff Avril
6. Rob Sims
7. Brandon Pettigrew
8. Kyle Vanden Bosch
9. Matt Stafford
10. Corey Williams
11. DeAndre Levy
12. Jason Hanson
13. Nate Burleson
14. Chris Houston

[RashanGary]

By my count the Packers have 9 top tier pieces. The Lions have 3. But 4 years ago they had maybe zero. So they're mounting a charge. While we can't say for certain they're drafting really well, we can say they are getting good players. Before they weren't getting any.

So will they be improved? I say yes. They will be improved because they're adding top talent slowly but surely. We're at the peak. They're at step 2 or 3. And with a healthy QB and healthy RB, they're going to look a lot better. You go all the way down their list of 14 and they're all guys who belong on the field. A few years ago, I don't think you could even say that and there definitely weren't any blue chippers like there are now. Delmas reminds me of Sharper. He might turn into a star.

[RashanGary]

Johnson, Suh and Delmas would all be starting on our SB roster.

[Iron Mike]

[vince]

What a contrast. I know you're saying Delmas, who's a 2-deep free safety, would move to SS and start over Peprah/Burnett and play mostly 2-deep, but at free safety, I'd take the Packers' #8 guy over their #3 guy.

[Tarlam!]

Here's a link to the Lions game results from last season. http://www.pro-football-reference.co...2010_games.htm

You guys saying they aint nothin' might wanna recall their season. Look at how many games they were soundly thrashed by their opponents. Recall how they were robbed in Week 1.

They're getting their shit together faster than you guys wanna acknowledge. That locker room is coming together. You guys all know a great part of the game is played in the heads of the players. They're believing in themselves.

Tell me again, how many unknowns did the Pack have to start last year to win it all?

[RashanGary]

What a contrast. I know you're saying Delmas, who's a 2-deep free safety, would move to SS and start over Peprah/Burnett and play mostly 2-deep, but at free safety, I'd take the Packers' #8 guy over their #3 guy.

Their three stars are very young. Just like the way the Packers started with a few play makers here and there, it piles up because those are long term guys and they will keep adding to it. Who knows how many new playmakers will emerge this year for them? 1? 2? The new management is hitting about 1 a year.


They're getting better. They should be 8-8 or better this year if you ask me and if they keep drafting the way they are, they'll be hella competitive over the next 5 years. They have the start of a good thing.


And I've been a, "I'll believe it when I see it" guy for the last 5 years. I scoffed at the idea that the Lions would improve, but now they have a history of getting playmakers in the draft and I think there is reason to believe it will continue. If it does, they will be better every year (unless injury hits of course.)

They will be better this year. I'd bet on it.

[vince]

Their three stars are very young. Just like the way the Packers started with a few play makers here and there, it piles up because those are long term guys and they will keep adding to it. Who knows how many new playmakers will emerge this year for them? 1? 2? The new management is hitting about 1 a year.


They're getting better. They should be 8-8 or better this year if you ask me and if they keep drafting the way they are, they'll be hella competitive over the next 5 years. They have the start of a good thing.


And I've been a, "I'll believe it when I see it" guy for the last 5 years. I scoffed at the idea that the Lions would improve, but now they have a history of getting playmakers in the draft and I think there is reason to believe it will continue. If it does, they will be better every year (unless injury hits of course.)

They will be better this year. I'd bet on it.

I agree.