The New and Improved Detroit Lions
After a decade of torture for any and all fans of the NFL's Detroit Lions, things might finally be headed in the right direction. Much of the Lions' failures over the past 10 years stems from the management failures of Matt Millen, who was finally given the boot last year in Detroit.
With a new GM Schwartz in the mix, the franchise has very aggressively done everything they can to erase the legacy of the past 10 seasons. Many players have been shipped out, and others shipped in.
New names like Stafford, Pettigrew, Selmas, Gronkowski, Foote, Peterson, Northcutt, King, Bryant Johnson, and so many others are a part of this team. More new names on a team than any I've seen in recent memory. Most importantly, the attitude at the Lions' training camp seems to be better than it's ever been.
Even the fans are excited. Many fans packed it in before sunrise to see what their newly formed team was up to. Almost seemed like the fans were more excited at training camp than they were at any game in 2008.
Nearly every single player at training camp put on a good performance, ready to meet the new football season with full enthusiasm. Between stars like Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith, and second and third string guys, everyone played their heart out for those who were there to witness it.
While most played, it was somewhat disappointing not to see new Lions Brandon Pettigrew and Larry Foote participating, due to some injury issues. They'll be fine for the regular season, but I was still excited to see them suited up in a Lions uniform. The quarterbacks all looked great, and Drew Stanton's level of play has been so impressive that many are speculating he has a chance to be the team's starter if he keeps it up. The team's running backs (Smith and rookie Brown) both looked to be in top notch shape, and rookie DJ Boldin should make an immediate impact at wide receiver.
The highlight of the training camp day was the end of it, as the team participated in a really exciting drill. Not only was the effort great (this was an endzone drill), but the teammates started joking around with one another, showing some great team chemistry and nice enthusiasm about the season to come.
Fans were high on their team too. One fan was approached by a journalist who wanted his prediction for the Lions in 2009. The fan replied with a 14-2 projected record. While those around him heckled, he was only half joking, as this team seriously believes it can string together a winning season.
Once the practice finished, I had the opportunity to meet a few of the team's players. Both Larry Foote and Jeff Backus were extremely friendly, and Foote is truly proud to be a Lion despite the fact that he left Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh. You'd truly never know this team was the joke of the NFL for the past 10 years. The Lions have begun a new life in Detroit.
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