Lions: A look at former Lions currently excelling elsewhere in the NFL
By Bob Heyrman
As the Detroit Lions season started somewhat promising, then optimistic, unfortunate, ending with terrible. I can’t help but check in on a few former players that are excelling elsewhere after not being retained or traded away by Detroit.
It’s a season that’s been filled with plenty of disappointment for the Detroit Lions and their fans. I mean, I expected the Detroit Lions to have an 8-8 season, or possibly a 9-7 finish, competing for the NFC North division title.
You may wonder how 9-7 would be competing for the division title? I expected the division to be very competitive, in fact, possibly the most highly competitive division in the NFL, not just the NFC.
The division has played out competitively, but not with the Detroit Lions involved in the mix. It’s a shame Detroit lost Matthew Stafford five games ago with the same injury that he battled through last season – broken bones in his back.
If Stafford were able to remain healthy, I would have expected the Lions to have compiled more than just three wins to this point. Losing Stafford signaled a lost season. Detroit has had plenty of issues this season on both sides of the football.
The offensive line has played better than I expected they would, although they’ve struggled to create any rushing lanes. I have some concerns with Kerryon Johnson, who’s injuries over his first two seasons have mostly combined to missing one entire year.
Without a doubt, the most disappointing aspect of the Detroit Lions this year has been their defense. Yes, the entire group hasn’t performed well, and that group was expected to be the strength of the team. Very disappointing.
That being said, we’ll take a look at a few former Detroit Lions that are excelling elsewhere.