Detroit Lions
2007 Record: 7-9
ATS: 6-9-1
Super Bowl Odds: 75-1
Everyone laughed at the Lions’ QB Jon Kitna when he said his team would be disappointed if they didn’t win 10 games in 2007. Despite a strong start and a productive offense, the Lions’ bubble burst at the end of the year as they won just 7 games and only covered in 6 of those. Kitna did his part, throwing for over 4000 yards, but the Lions still had trouble keeping pressure off him. While the Lions improved after giving up 63 sacks in 2006, Kitna was a victim 51 times in 2007, one of the main reasons Mike Martz was fired. Their defense remains terrible looking ahead to the new season. They were dead last in points allowed, yards allowed and second-to-last in passing yards allowed.
These numbers translated into an 11-5 o/u record in 2007. Moving forward, the Lions have made some moves during the offseason to try to steer the ship in the right direction. They traded their best defensive player Shaun Rodgers to the Browns for draft picks. They also signed CBs Travis Fisher and Brian Kelly, which will give Detroit a boost in pass coverage. They used their first-round pick on tackle Gosder Cherilus, who should see a lot of playing time this season. Detroit does have a very talented and deep passing attack. With 4 receivers going over 600 yards receiving in 2007, Kitna needs more time in the pocket to take advantage of this weaponry.
Still, the Lions do not have enough firepower to overcome their weak defense unless it makes drastic improvements. The Lions have improved over the past 2 years, but there is still plenty of work ahead. Despite Kitna’s best efforts, their lack of pass protection and their weak defense means the Lions are still far from being serious contenders in the NFC.
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