2008 Detroit Lions

Written August 11, 2008 by Jason Lowry

We are coming up on the start of another great NFL season, and Jason Lowry is ready to help get things going with his 2008 Detroit Lions season predictions. The Lions came into last season with many of their players saying that this team was going to win 10 games, and after starting 6-2 many thought they were going to come through with their bold prediction, but the Lions then fell apart and wound up finishing the season at 7-9 tied for last in the NFC North. The Lions have went out and decided it was best to deal defensive tackle Shaun Rogers for corner Leigh Bodden and a 3rd round pick from the Cleveland Browns. The Lions also looked to cut down on the passing game, as they sent Mike Martz and his pass happy offense packing. To see just what the Lions will look like this season, lets take a look at who they will be sending to the field on all sides of the ball.

Offense:
The Lions are hoping to put together a little more balance in their offense, as really haven’t been a team that can grind it out on the ground. The passing game should still be solid as quarterback Jon Kitna will still be throwing the ball to two very good receivers in Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams. While Johnson didn’t have the impact many thought he would, he did show some signs of greatness. The Lions did way with Kevin Jones at running back, and now the starting job will be in Tatum Bells hands. The offensive line really struggled under Martz schemes, and now that he is gone they really think this unit is going to improve greatly this season. If the line doesn’t improve this season, don’t expect the team to do much better either.
Lions +3500 odds to win NFC Championship at Sportsbook.com

Defense:
This unit is starting to show signs of getting better, but after trading away Rogers the defensive line could struggle this season. The Lions need to put pressure on the quarterback and it will now be up to the ends veteran Jared DeVries and Dewayne White. It looks like Chuch Darby is going to be the man filling Rogers shoes, and isn’t likely to be near as good. At linebacker the team seems pretty set with outside linebacker Ernie Sims, but its a little unclear on how productive Paris Lenon and Jordan Dizon will be. The secondary should be slightly above average this season, as they have brought in safety Dwight Smith and corner Brian Kelly, both who know the cover 2 system the Lions run. The is also hoping that safety Daniel Bullocks can come back after missing last season with a torn ACL.
Lions +8000 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com

Special Teams:
This unit remains solid with Jason Hanson at kicker, and punter Nick Harris is a great talent and should put up more great numbers this season. The return game is likely to be headed by Aveion Cason in the kick return game, while Devale Ellis handles the punts. Also don’t count out 5th round pick Kenneth Moore to help out in the return game.
Lions Over/Under 6.5 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com

Prediction: 4th in the NFC North
Sorry Lions fans but Detroit is not going to reign in the North this season, as they just don’t have the tools needed to be a great team in this league. Not to mention there is no way this team can compete with the Vikings and Packers, let alone the Bears. Look for the Lions to play like they did at the end of last season all year, and put together 6 wins at most.

If you want to get a bet in on the Lions season odds, get over to Sportsbook.com and get an account started today. Also for those wanting to keep up with all the Lions news this season, be sure to check out these great Lions predictions.

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