Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions 1st Half Grades, Where Can They Improve?

First off, a 6-2 start, in spite of a relatively weak schedule, is one of the more pleasant surprises I can remember as a fan of this organization.   The Lions are approaching the meat of their schedule and have a very challenging road ahead.  That being said, here are my first half grades:

QB’s: A-

Jon Kitna is plain and simple, the heart and soul of this team.   Early in the season, I was moved by his willingness to stick his neck out to lead this team to victory, even while jeopardizing his own well being.   He has become an even better game manager as the season has progressed, in the process making the Lions more formidable.    Any future Lions success hinges completely upon Kitna remaining healthy.

RB’s: B

Tatum Bell, now benched, was ineffective to begin the season but gives the team depth should Kevin Jones become injured again.   The return of a healthy Kevin Jones makes the Lions a legitimate playoff contender, and lightens the load that was placed upon Jon Kitna earlier in the season.   Jon Bradley is doing a very good job in his limited role, although Sunday’s fumble is a concern.   T.J. Duckett also has had a limited role, which I think may expand as the season progresses and Jones gets a little dinged up.

TE’s: B

The Lions tight ends don’t figure heavily into the Lions offense.   They have not missed a beat without the blocking of veteran Dan Campbell and Sean McHugh has emerged as a surprising playmaker, in limited action.

OL: C-

The Lions offensive line has allowed too many sacks, even if many of them have come as result of the risky design of their offense, which provides them with little assistance from backs and tight ends, or Jon Kitna often holding onto the ball for too long.  They appear to be improving and their ability to keep Kitna healthy and upright is completely congruent with any success that may lay ahead for this team.

WR’s: B+

The receivers have played very well.   They present most teams with unrectified matchup nightmares.    Their disappearance against Philly and Washington is why they have been downgraded a bit.   Also, Roy Williams has suffered from lapses of focus at times and turned the ball over.   The sky is the limit with this group, though.

Defense

DL: A-

The Lions defensive line has compensated for the difficulties the Lions secondary have had.   They have also forced lesser, inexperienced QB’s into poor decision-making and a bounty of turnovers.   Shaun Rogers, when he puts his mind to it, is one of the league’s premier players.   A healthy return of Kalimba Edwards, if he can finally fulfill his potential, could make this group devastating.   Jared DeVries, Corey Smith, and Langston Moore have all performed beyond expectations.

LB’s: B-

Ernie Sims is a tackling machine.   Boss Bailey and Paris Lenon have been pretty good.  Teddy Lehman and Alex Lewis have provided depth.   Other than Sims, no one player has stood out.   They have not been a liability, though.

DB’s: C+/B+

The DB’s get a C+ for coverage and B+ for opportunism.   Teams seem to be able to throw at will, but are never able to fully punish the Lions secondary in spite of it.   The increased takeaways are a sign of progress.  Their tackling has improved exponentially in recent weeks.

Special Teams: B+

The kicking game is as good as ever.   The coverage hasn’t been bad, even if Devin Hester provided us with some heart palpitating moments this season.   The steadiness of Hanson and Harris is often undervalued.  The returns game has been non-descript.  Their impact, especially Shaun Rogers, on opposing kickers attempting field goals has forced opponents to leave points on the field often this season.

Coaching: B+

Early season missed challenge calls, questionable offensive playcalling, and Sunday’s decision to deliver an onside kick were all head scratchers.  Their ability to pull the Lions off of the mat from two horrific road losses and the continued improvement of the team each week are clearly positive signs.   The fact that the Lions appear to be as cohesive as any time in the last 10 years is also a reflection of the success of the coaching staff.   True difficulties lay ahead, but I am more confident of this coaching staff than the Lions have had in my time following the team.

Where the Lions can improve:

1) Red Zone offense: To join the league’s elite they have to maximize their opportunities in the red zone, especially during close games.

2) Offensive Line: they have grown by leaps and bounds, but their margin for error is incredibly small because if Kitna goes down, the Lions season will soon follow.

3) Backup QB:  Matt Millen didn’t do enough to cover the Lions here.   I have been critical throughout that he should have found a backup with game experience, but now that the Lions are likely to make the playoffs, this becomes an even bigger concern.

4) 3rd down defense:  The defense has showed signs of improving.   That being said, in close games against better opponents, they can’t allow extra opportunities for teams who can score from any place on the field, at any time.

5) Running Game:  The Lions look like a realistic playoff team because they are not one dimensional any longer.   In order to hold onto leads late in games, you have to be able to run with the ball.