Lions end of season PC

bfy222 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-12-2006

As you all know we had a very busy offseason and we made some significant changes on both sides of the ball. We really feel that all of these changes make us a better team this year than we were last year and i will tell you my expectations right now, this team should make the playoffs, there are no excuses.

Defensively we will have five new starters. Larry Chester will be our starting DT alongside Shaun Rogers, but we still expect to get quite a bit of production out of veteran Dan Wilkinson. Eric Hicks provides a huge upgrade to our Defensive Line at the DE spot. He is the elite pass rusher I think we have lacked the last two seasons. We have two new starters in the secondary, rookie FS Pat Watkins and CB Daylon McCutcheon, who came in a trade from Chicago. Hannibal Navies will take the OLB spot that opened up when we traded Boss Bailey. I know a lot of people question that trade but i think they will be proven wrong this year.

Our Offense is pretty much the same as last year. Cory Schlesinger will obviously be missed but we feel Jeremi Johnson will give us a very versatile threat at the FB spot. WR Muhsin Muhammad is the biggest acquisition we made on either side of the ball this year, and he should have an instant impact across the entire offense. He takes pressur off of Chuck, Joey and KJ because he is such a reliable option in the passing game. We return the same Offensive Line last year so we expect KJ to go for well over 1500 yds again.

Like i said, there is no reason this team should be at home in January. The coaches need to put the players in the right position to make plays, because i guarantee you these players are capable of making plays. We obviously need to do a better job against division opponents this year, and i think that can be done. We are very excited to see what this roster can do. At this time i will take any questions you may have.

Short · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2006

How much of an effect will the loss of Dre Bly have on the defense?

bfy222 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Short

How much of an effect will the loss of Dre Bly have on the defense?

Losing Dre Bly has a huge effect on our defense. He was a key player in our secondary and we will miss his attitude and leadership back there, obviously along with his cover skills. We do feel however that what we got in return will negate most of that effect. Daylon McCutcheon is no slouch, and I dont feel he is that much of downgrade from Dre. Fernando Bryant has been with us for a couple of seasons and we feel he is ready to be our top corner. Sammy Davis, who we also got in return for Dre, is a player you cant overlook either. Having a DB of his caliber coming in on passing downs is a huge asset.