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10,000 to 1 shot? Lions remain whopper underdog to win Super Bowl
The 2006 season was another stinker for Detroit, with the team finishing at 3-13 and recording a sixth straight year with double-digits in the loss column. However, the Lions were rarely blown out, and with some legitimate offseason moves, fans can realistically hope for a turnaround in '07.
The offensive unit is the main reason this is even a possibility. QB Jon Kitna demonstrated much-needed leadership and managed to crack the Top 10 with Detroit's passing game. In fact, Kitna threw for 4,208 yards, mostly to Roy Williams (1,310 receiving yards) and Mike Furrey (1,086).
[ Lions were +6000 odds at BetUS.com to win the NFC championship ]
Moreover, the arrival of No. 2 overall draft pick Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech) provides yet another weapon. Johnson, in all likelihood, will make a difference right away, giving Kitna a trio of top receivers to choose from. On the ground, an 'O' line that includes veterans Dominic Raiola, Jeff Backus, George Foster and Zach Piller will take the lead. And after a last-place ranking in run offense for '06, the unit can't go anywhere but up.
Leading rusher Kevin Jones 689 yards and 6 TDs) will miss some time due to injury, and, if so, newcomers Tatum Bell (Denver Broncos) and T.J. Duckett (Washington Redskins) will handle the rock. If their receiving skills improve, Kitna will have even more in his arsenal.
[ Lions were +10000 odds at BetUS.com to win Super Bowl XLII ]
Defensively, the Lions were near the bottom in virtually every significant category, which prompted some key off-season moves. DE Dewayne White was one the biggest, and his arrival from Tampa Bay will only help the cause.
Former Pro Bowler Shaun Rogers is expected to regain his form after a poor season, while Corey Redding, Kalimba Edwards, Corey Smith and rookie Ikaika Alama-Francis (Hawaii) should keep the defensive line competitive. At LB, sophomore Ernie Sims is coming into his own, and Teddy Lehman, if healthy, will be a key performer. (MLB Lehman is expected to battle with Paris Lenon for the starting role.) Against the pass, the '06 Lions were equally bad, which goes a long way towards justifying the departures of Dre' Bly and Jamar Fletcher. Offseason acquisition Travis Fisher (Rams) will complement Fernando Bryant's physical play, so the unit shouldn't be nearly as vulnerable in '07, when it finished 25th in total pass yards allowed. Likewise, veteran SS Kenoy Kennedy and second-year FS Daniel Bullocks should hold their own.
[ Lions were +600 underdog odds at BetUS.com to win the NFC North ]
On special teams, all the major players will be back, including P Nick Harris, PK Jason Hanson and return specialist Eddie Drummond. Because of this experience, the unit may not miss the retirement of long-time special teams coach Chuck Priefer.
Still, does it all up to a big year for Detroit fans? If measuring by a playoff appearance, probably not. However, head coach Rod Marinelli's team has lots of potential and every reason to believe that '07 can result in a .500 record.
With its first two games against Oakland and Minnesota - and only Chicago (twice) and Philadelphia as its strongest opponents over the first half of the year - the Lions can easily roar to 2-0.