A Detroit Lions Super Bowl Depends On Offseason

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; A Detroit Lions Super Bowl could happen in 2014 if Jim Schwartz and Martin Mayhew can have a productive off-season. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

A Detroit Lions Super Bowl is within reach! However, the Detroit Lions have been inept for so long, many fans have lowered expectations to the point where merely having a winning season is enough. With the Super Bowl this weekend, fans should ask themselves, when can we expect a Detroit Lions Super Bowl?  A fair question considering the Detroit Lions have the best receiver in football and young quarterback with 5,000-yard ability. After all, those positions are the most important components in a league that has turned more toward the pass than anytime in history. So what do the Lions have to do to get to the big game?

1. Bolster Defense – The Detroit Lions must add depth to the defense. When healthy the unit played decently last year. But those times were rare and when key players missed time because of injury the defense faltered. The Detroit Lions must sign free agents and draft defense. A key free agent the Lions could try to sign is Chicago Bears Linebacker Brian Urlacher.  Whether it be Urlacher or someone else the Lions must improve at linebacker and cornerback to win in 2013-14.

2. Get A Speedy Running Back – In today’s league you need multiple players who can produce yards in the back field. Running backs no longer pick up their yards by just running between the tackles. In order to make an impact from the running back position a team must have a speedy pass catcher to compliment a bruising ground attack. The Detroit Lions thought they had this in Javid Best. Unfortunately, they must find another option.

3. Draft Offensive Line Talent – The Detroit Lions offensive line has performed well over the last few seasons. That said, they are aging now at key positions along the line and will soon be in need of a rebuild.  They can get a head start on that this year in a draft that is stocked with talent in the trenches.

The fans should expect a Detroit Lions Super Bowl in 2014.  In fact, they should demand it. Martin Mayhew has an opportunity to set the team up for a championship if he can produce this offseason. If he fails, the Lions should clean house again and find new leadership.