This weekend, the New England Patriots will face the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. The last time these two teams played in the Super Bowl the Lions will still under the thumb of Matt Millen and hadn't been to the playoffs in years. This season, Detroit made the playoffs, although they were quickly dispatched by the New Orleans Saints. Jim Schwartz and Matthew Stafford were both involved in quite a few interviews this week, what with all the media stuff they do during the Super Bowl. However, just how far are the Lions from being involved in Super Bowl week as a team?
Which is to say, how far are the Lions from being considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders? Given the nature of football, a team can make the Super Bowl even without having one of the best teams, or best seasons, out there. However, that isn't what I am interested in when positing this question. I am wondering how close the Lions are to being viewed like, say, the Green Bay Packers or New England Patriots were this season. How close are they to being seen as having one of the best teams. Sure, they could have one of the best teams and then lose their first playoff games. That happens, but that doesn't mean the team wasn't great.
Even trying to overcome the Packers in the NFC North is going to be difficult these days, but, theoretically, the Lions could go 11-5 and consider a contender while still finishing fifth in the NFC. What Detroit needs most of all is a strong running game. They have a top notch passing game already, but they need something more from their running. Of course, just getting Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure healthy will help, and that should be the case next season. At least, at first. Injuries are always an issue, and they can certainly in and of themself keep a team from being a Super Bowl contender. Just look at Houston this season. Had Matt Schaub stayed healthy, they may have been the favorites in the AFC.
Improving the offensive line is key also. I'm still calling for the Lions to draft an offensive guard in the first round, and fittingly in his latest mock draft Todd McShay has Detroit taking Cordy Glenn, the guard out of Georgia. That would also help the passing game in terms of pass protection as well. If Best and Leshoure can do what they were supposed to do this season, with some improvement on the offensive line, and this could be one of the league's best offense, perhaps even up there with New Orleans and Green Bay.
On defense, the most important thing is keeping their free agents, particularly Cliff Avril. He really emerged this season, and if he goes they will see a big hit in their pass rushing. Ndamukong Suh bouncing back will help, and it would also be nice if he could avoid suspensions for stomping on people. Nick Fairley should help more as well. The team also needs more depth in the secondary. The NFL Draft can help there, as can free agency. On special teams, it would help if the Lions could improve their return game.
Honestly, I think Detroit could be a true Super Bowl contender as soon as next season. One good draft and a couple of free agent signings, along with keeping Avril, and I think they could perhaps even fight Green Bay for the NFC North. Their coaching staff remains in place, and they have most of the key pieces in their lineup as well. Last time the Patriots and the Giants faced off in the Super Bowl, the Lions were far from contention. This time around, they are so very close.
As for the Super Bowl, I'm taking the Patriots 28-24. I think their offense will win out despite their less than stellar defense.
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