NFL 2006: Detroit Lions

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2006 season. Today we look at the Detroit Lions.)

The Detroit Lions struggled through another unproductive season, en route to a 5-11 mark. Steve Mariucci was fired mid-season and the fans hung GM Matt Millen in effigy.

Lions owner Henry Clay Ford, along with the disgruntled fans, demanded change so Millen went out and hired Rod Marinelli as the new head coach. Marinelli is a no-nonsense kind of guy who demands hard work and discipline, something the young Lions need and need badly.

Marinelli knew the offense needed a jolt so he went out and hired former Rams head coach Mike Martz as his offensive coordinator. Martz is an offensive mastermind who will try and bring his spread system to Detroit.

Offense: The young talent on offense has been underachieving for two years now and it's up to Martz to right the ship or more of Millen's high draft picks will be let go.

Joey Harrington was a bust and will try his luck in Miami. Millen brought in veteran Jon Kitna and Josh McCown to battle for the job. Kitna wanted to break free from the shadow of Carson Palmer and McCown couldn't get the job done in Arizona. It should be a heated battle throughout camp. Dan Orlovsky is the number three guy.

Kevin Jones battled injuries all season and had a major slide in production last year. After rushing for over a thousand yards in 2004, Jones collected 664 yards and five touchdowns in 2005. He needs to bounce back for the Lions to have a productive offense in 2006. Artose Pinner (349 yards), Shawn Bryson (306 yards) and rookie Brian Calhoun will fight for playing time. Corey Schlesinger returns at fullback, but will be challenged by rookie Matt Bernstein.

Millen drafted a wide receiver number one in three straight drafts (2003-2005) and so far it hasn't worked out for the Lions. Roy Williams (45-687-8) is the best of the bunch, but he's terribly inconsistent. Charles Rogers (14-197-1) is the other starter, but he can't stay healthy. Mike Williams had a disappointing rookie season and the coaching staff is not happy with his constant weight gain. Scottie Vines (40-417 yards) was a pleasant surprise for Detroit fans. Free agents Corey Bradford and Mike Furrey, who played safety last year, were brought in for depth.

Marcus Pollard (46-516-3) was the leading receiver for the Lions last season from his tight end spot. Free agent Dan Campbell and Casey Fitzsimmons will see playing time as well.

Key free agents and draft picks have been brought in to press the returning starters on the offensive line. Dominic Raiola is back at center, Rick DeMulling and Damien Woody are back at guard with free agent Rex Tucker and rookie Fred Matua as reserves. Jeff Backus, who just signed a new six-year deal, and Kelly Butler are return at tackle. Free agent Ross Verba will challenge Butler for the right tackle slot. Rookie Jonathan Scott is also on the roster.

Defense: The Lion defense fell under the same spell as the offense and was inconsistent throughout the season. With key veterans back from injury and some solid draft picks, the defense just may be on the road to dramatic improvement for 2006.

James Hall (60 tackles, five sacks) and Corey Redding are back at defensive end with Shaun Rogers (41 tackles, 5.5 sacks) the key man in the interior line. DT Dan Wilkinson was released and his position is up for grabs between Marcus Bell, Shaun Cody and free agent Tyoka Jackson. Jared DeVries (three sacks) and Kalimba Edwards (seven sacks) are solid reserves.

Boss Bailey and James Davis return as starters at outside linebacker, but top draft pick Ernie Sims will be breathing down their necks for playing time. Sims is a hard-hitter who makes plays all over the field. Look for him to be a starter before camp is over. Earl Holmes is gone at middle linebacker and his spot in the lineup will be decided by Paris Lenon or Teddy Lehman.

Dre Bly is one of the top corners in the league and his six interceptions led the team in 2006. Fernando Bryant returns after missing all of last year due to injury. Keith Smith, free agent Jamar Fletcher and Stanley Wilson provide depth. Kenoy Kennedy (96 tackles, two picks) and Terrence Holt (two interceptions) return at strong and free safety respectively. Free agent Idrees Bashir and rookie Daniel Bullocks are reserves.

Special Teams: Jason Hanson (84 points, 19-24 field goals, 27-27 extra points) is back for an amazing 15th season. Nick Harris (43.5) returns as punter, while Eddie Drummond will return punts (6.3) and kicks (22.0).

Outlook: Detroit is on the right track with the hiring of Marinelli and Martz. Both are proven winners and will demand the best from each and every player. All will be held accountable, no excuses will be tolerated. The Lions need a swift kick in the pants and major rebuilding. This team has too many weaknesses right now and one season will not be enough to turn it around. Give Marinelli and Martz, if he decides to stay, a couple of years and the Lions will be a contender. Just not this year.

Prediction: The Lions are young and with youth comes mistakes. Detroit will play hard and win some games, but Marinelli needs a couple of years to make his plan happen. Detroit will finish 6-10.


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