Detroit Lions: Producing a top ten offense is realistic and on the horizon
By Bob Heyrman
Third: The Detroit Lions return a trio of wide receivers that complement each other wonderfully. Kenny Golladay was able to lead the league in touchdown receptions last season, corralling 11 notwithstanding Stafford being held to just eight starts.
Golladay recorded seven touchdowns over the first eight weeks with Stafford under center. He’d muster just four more over the final eight weeks of the season having Jake Driskel and David Blough delivering him the football.
It’s not out of this world to consider Golladay may have a serious chance to produce a 1,400-yard season totaling 14 touchdowns.
Marvin Jones has been limited to 22 games over the last two seasons combined. During that time, he’s recorded 14 touchdowns, 1,287 receiving yards, making 97 catches. If Jones can remain healthy for the duration of the 2020 season, he can amass 1,000 yards and ten touchdowns. The pair of Golladay, Jones, becomes quite a dynamic duo across the league.
If that’s not enough, the Detroit Lions return slot specialist Danny Amendola. The fiery pass-catcher that works primarily out of the slot is tough as nails. He’s the safety valve for Stafford, if the downfield shots are not open, checking down to Amendola and letting him work after the catch isn’t the worst option.
Amendola recorded 62 receptions totaling 678 yards and a score last season. If Amendola can mirror those numbers again in 2020, this offense should be churning all season long. When you consider Stafford only played eight games, these numbers should be very achievable. Detroit will also use Marvin Hall, Geronimo Allison, and rookie Quintez Cephus in a complementary role.