NFC North: Sizing Up the Division for the 2015 NFL Season
Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins running back
(30) is stopped by the Detroit Lions defense during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Detroit won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
THE CONTENDERS – The Detroit Lions
The Lions had a bit of a role reversal last season as their high flying passing game was grounded to league average. On the flip side, their defensive unit developed into one of the top five defenses in the NFL. No team defensively in the last 30 years has allowed more points than the Detroit Lions so seeing this unit succeed was a pleasant surprise.
The biggest news from this past off-season was the departure of Ndamukong Suh to the Miami Dolphins. The defensive front will miss his presence but I think the biggest loss overall will just be from the toughness that he brought to the entire defense. Haloti Ngata was brought in to replace Suh and he is an above average run stopper but not as complete of a player.
Offensively the Lions are still loaded with top notch talent. Gone is Reggie Bush, but Ameer Abdullah will step in with a role similar to what Bush had last season. Abdullah has surprised many already with his burst and play making ability and will give the Lions a dual-threat that has big play ability. Joique Bell and Theo Riddick give them a trio of backs that should help them mix and match to the best of their individual skill sets.
Aug 28, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) runs with the ball prior to the preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
The passing game took a step backwards last year partially due to Calvin Johnson not being fully healthy. Johnson will turn 30 during the season this year and has started to show a bit of wear and tear the past two seasons. He enters this year fully healthy and poised to bounce back in a big way. Golden Tate is the perfect compliment opposite of Johnson and looks to build on an impressive first season in Detroit. Lance Moore will likely fill the third receiver spot and will look to capture a little of the magic that made him a solid third wide out when he was in New Orleans.
Matthew Stafford is coming off his fourth consecutive 4,000 yard season last year but his passing yards have declined in three straight seasons. I think we are to the point that he “is what he is” and that might just be a quarterback that is able to accumulate numbers but isn’t a winner. This is a big year for him to dispel that notion and take a step forward. His career record as a starter is 35-42, it is time for him to make a leap in what will be his seventh season. He has the weapons he needs at his disposal and this is the year he needs to put it all together.
As discussed above, the loss of Suh will be felt on the defensive front as this squad was number one versus the run last season. Ngata will help as will the return of Stephen Tulloch, but expectations needs to be tempered a bit. There is still plenty of talent and depth up front to keep this team in the top 10 versus the run. Corner back’s Darius Slay and Rashean Mathis bolster the secondary that beat expectations last season.
The Lions have the talent and the players to give the Packers a run for their money this season. Ultimately I think their defense takes a small step back this year while their offense should be more consistent. The difference is at quarterback as Stafford is not Aaron Rodgers. They’re knocking on the door, just a small step below where they need to be.
PREDICTION – 10 wins, 6 losses
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