[Fisch]

Lions' offseason projects, IMO should consist of:

Resign Avril and Tulloch ... work out a long term agreement with Calvin (don't wait on it).

Through the draft or free agency acquire 2 corners (replace Wright and Smith), an outside linebacker (relegate Levy to backup duty), and a defensive end (sorry, but VandenBosch may motor, but he's over the hill and it I believe it costs the Lions late in the season (see the extra rest given during the week). A healthy Lawrence Jackson may work, if you can keep his motivation high.

Offensively (2nd priority IMO), some RB depth and at minimum a right guard would be helpful. I still feel Leshoure can have an impact once healthy, but acquiring NO running back will alleviate the team's run blocking deficiencies.

Lastly, and position depth and/or special teams upgrades go a long way. Poor coverage and tackling this season led to a lot of field position disadvantages and is either reflective of talent, coaching or a combination thereof.

Thoughts?

[roar56]

Looks like you were watching the same team I was! VandenBosch gave up a lot of running yards all year by biting on any move in the other direction. Trying to survive in the league by his motor and wiles, but with the Lions back seven it isn't working that well. I think he draws his own lb's and corners with him when he knifes across the backfield.

RB help is definitely needed, if Leshoure is the man it probably won't be until the following season, based on players requiring two years to fully recover. He will be able to run, but the ability to cut reactively come back much slower. Kevin Smith is a very good backup.

I don't know how you teach players to tackle at the pro level. The CBA minimizes pad time and the players learn best on the field, with contact drills. The Lions tackling was improved, but still has cost many first downs by poor technique. They look happy when they drag someone down by the arms after allowing that extra three yards that makes the difference.

I thought "route 66" played better this year, plus Sims does a decent job -- it is past time to introduce replacements for Raiola and Backus, though. They can do the job, for the most part, in the passing game, but we need help up and down the line opening holes for the running game.

These are some of my critiques, but overall I was more than pleased with the progress this year. If that same rate of improvement holds -- we may be back to the halcyon days of Fontes!