Motor City Table Talk: A look ahead at the 2014 Detroit Lions

Aug 2, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) takes to the field during training camp at the Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

2. Newest Lion most looking forward to seeing in action?

Tony Fischer:

"“Jason Jones. I know he is technically not new but 2014 will be the first time we get to see him at full strength after missing most of last season with injury. Jason Jones could have a major impact on the defense.”"

Vincent Bianchi:

"“Without question, Golden Tate. Tate’s numbers have improved every season in his short career. He produced 900 yards with the Seahawks last season and also had the best catch to drop ratio in the league. The Seahawks also threw the ball the 2nd least amount of all NFL teams so the 900 yards is very impressive.” “The Lions 2nd leading wide receiver last season was Kris Durham with only 490 yards. Tate, now in an offense that loves to air it out, playing alongside the best receiver in the game. Not only will his targets greatly increase but he will constantly be facing single coverage and almost never line up against number 1 corner-back thanks in part to Calvin Johnson. Which will set Tate up to have his best season yet.”"

Nate Williams:

My choice for new talent that I am most looking forward to seeing in action is outside linebacker, Kyle Van Noy.

Van Noy joins a Lions defense that will be very different from the Gunther Cunningham defense of a year ago in Detroit. Teryl Austin comes over from Baltimore and brings with him a defense that will likely be very blitz happy. That is the type of system that Van Noy should flourish in.

Van Noy has said himself: “I’m an offensive player on defense. I try to get the ball in the offense’s hands to score touchdowns.” I think Van Noy will make good on his self proclamation. Combined with the Lions leader in interceptions from a year ago, DeAndre Levy, and defensive captain Stephen Tulloch, Detroit should have one of the most formidable linebacker duo’s in the NFL.