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Detroit Lions: 2016 Season a Mix of Good and Bad

By Patrick Rocca

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; A general view of Ford Field during the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. Detroit won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; A general view of Ford Field during the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. Detroit won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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With their loss to the Seahawks, the Lions’ season is officially over. Now it is time to examine the 2016 season. What went right, what went wrong, and what should the team do going forward?

NFL: Detroit Lions-Training Camp
NFL: Detroit Lions-Training Camp /

Bob Quinn’s Gambles at Wideout Paid Off

After a disappointing 7-9 season in 2015, the Detroit Lions saw the loss of future hall of fame receiver Calvin Johnson to retirement. Rookie general manager Bob Quinn, an import from the New England Patriots organization was tasked with the unenviable task of replacing the hole Johnson’s departure left on offense. His solution came in the form of former Bengals wideout Marvin Jones, and future Hall of Famer Anquan Boldin.

Despite the signings coming to little to no fanfare, both receivers proved to be vital to the Lions’ playoff push. Marvin Jones established himself as one of the most reliable #2 receivers in the NFL, posting a solid 930 yards and 4 touchdowns over 15 starts.

In addition, the sure-handed Anquan Boldin sustained his success, accumulating 584 yards and eight touchdowns as the team’s best red zone threat. Though he had two costly penalties in the game against the Seahawks last week, Boldin was a net positive for this Lions team overall.

TJ Jones also showed some signs of promise in his limited snaps. If Boldin ends up leaving Motown this offseason, expect Jones to be productive in the three slot next season. Even Eric Ebron has emerged as a productive receiving tight end, though he does still suffer with drops on occasion. Despite all of the offseason worries, the future looks bright for the Lions’ receiving core.

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