The 2022 season is approaching, so the editorial staff of TDActu invites you to take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
Remember… last fall.
HISTORY!
Justin Tucker with an NFL record 66-yard field goal to beat the Lions ???? pic.twitter.com/ObnrUNSNEI
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) September 26, 2021
Luck, glory, honors, so many words missing from the dictionary in Detroit. The Lions haven’t won their division since 1993, when it wasn’t called the NFC North. Last season, like many before, brought sadness and consternation to fans of the Michigan franchise. Ten defeats and a draw to start, it’s difficult to live. A majority of backhands in close matches, three of which ended with a stab-like kick, is terrible.
Terrible, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Dan Campbell and his players have won three of their last six games, finishing on a high note once morest the Packers reserves. But, since the famous pet dear to Didier Deschamps and Benoît Paire is not the Lions’ best friend, this latest success has deprived Detroit of the long-awaited first choice. Beat the rival Wisconsin, to miss the opportunity to sign the child of the country, the very likely number 1, what a snub. Fortunately, there are the Jaguars.
Last season: 3-13-1, 4th in NFC North
Movements in the off-season
Notable arrivals: Justin Jackson (RB), D.J. Chark (WR), Chris Board (LB), Jarrad Davis (LB), Mike Hughes (CB), DeShon Elliott (S)
Re-signatures : Kalif Raymond (WR), Josh Reynolds (WR), Charles Harris (DE), Alex Anzalone (LB), Tracy Walker (S)
Draft : Aidan Hutchinson (DE), Jameson Williams (WR), Josh Paschal (DE), Kerby Joseph (S), James Mitchell (TE), Malcolm Rodriguez (LB), James Houston (DE), Chase Lucas (CB)
Notable losses: Jalen Reeves-Maybin (LB)
Luckily, there is Jacksonville. By letting themselves be charmed by the physical assets of Travon Walker, the Jaguars offered the opportunity to the Lions to select their first love. Aidan Hutchinson, a fighter capable of dominating the next decade in the NFL, marked the start of a great evening for general manager Brad Holmes and his staff. In the process, the franchise took advantage of the extreme kindness of the Vikings, to throw themselves on the explosive Jameson Williams. The choices made in the following rounds bring depth, especially in defense, to a team still under construction in all sectors.
If the Draft seems to be the main focus of the Lions’ spring and summer activities, it’s good because the leaders haven’t really been talked regarding in the free agent market. No significant departure, except that of Jalen Reeves-Maybin (82 tackles in 2021). One-year contracts given to several players, such as DJ Chark, Jarrad Davis or Mike Hughes, to maintain flexibility. Nothing brilliant then, but intelligent decisions, for a franchise whose salvation will depend on the development of young diamonds.
The strong points)
These nuggets in the making, precisely, should embody the main strengths of this team: the trenches. The offensive line first, reinforced by the imposing Penei Sewell last year and led by excellent veterans, such as Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow and Halapoulivaati Vaitai (his name had to be mentioned, under the constraint of Victor Roullier). This group can be one of the best in the league and, if the 7th pick of the 2021 Draft still develops its immense potential, Jared Goff and his runners might evolve in a chair. The duo formed by D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams in the backfield has all the qualities to rush into the breaches.
The defensive line then, a sector already well supplied before the arrival of Aidan Hutchinson. To facilitate the hatching of his prodigy, the coaching staff can count on the precious Charles Harris and Michael Brockers and on a handful of other talented elements, such as the Okwara brothers, or the colossi Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike. The defense therefore has arguments to hold the opposing ground game and get the quarterback, a lesser evil for coordinator Aaron Glenn. Because behind…
The weak spots)
Behind, it is not the panacea, as the other would say. As for the linebackers, we don’t really know where to turn. Alex Anzalone is not a bad player, but if he has to be the leader in his position, it’s a bit light. Chris Board and Jarrad Davis are not going to revolutionize anything. It will therefore undoubtedly be necessary to count on Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez, to take over and revive this squad. It really wouldn’t be luxury, because the last curtain does not incite enthusiasm.
The safety Tracy Walker, extended during the off-season, must pass a course and take on the role of boss of this secondary. Another name with significant weight on his shoulders, Jeff Okudah. A failed first season, the next stopped by injury following 48 snaps, the former Ohio State has not yet taken off. So, will Jeff be able to stay neck and neck with his opponents? If he is not at the level, Amani Oruwariye and Mike Hughes will perhaps face too great responsibilities.
Talking regarding responsibilities necessarily leads to the Jared Goff file. As we know, the former Rams pitcher does not have the arm of Matthew Stafford, his predecessor in Michigan, who just titled with Los Angeles. The Lions have turned a page, but they haven’t yet found a conductor capable of writing the next one. The 2016 Draft No. 1 pick is a transitional solution, not a franchise figure. So, while waiting to have accomplished this mission, it will be necessary to rely on the other components of the attack.
The X Factor: Jared Goff’s Targets
Jared Goff is therefore not the ray of sunshine expected in Michigan, his targets might well be rain or shine. Starting with his safety valve, TJ Hockenson. His talent had earned him an 8th place selection in 2019, but repeated injuries have prevented him from finding his rhythm at the top level. The former Iowa played only one full season in 2020, for 723 yards and 6 touchdowns. He will have to stay on his feet this year, to bring diversity to his attack.
To accompany it, a band of receivers whose ceiling is quite intriguing. The leader of this group should be Amon-Ra St. Brown, a 22-year-old player whose end of last season is still in everyone’s memory. A total of 51 receptions, 560 yards and 5 touchdowns in six games, a production to be confirmed this year, to enter another dimension. At his side, the Lions are betting on a DJ Chark to revive, following a difficult end to the course in Jacksonville, but still author of a campaign at more than 1000 yards in 2019.
To complete this trio of targets, do you find it lacks speed, explosiveness, constant danger? This threat is already present in the workforce, his name is Jameson Williams. The jewel of Alabama seriously injured his knee during the title match lost once morest Georgia. Obviously, a successful acclimatization during the year would provide a good boost to his team. And would justify the exchange set up with Minnesota, last April.
Player to watch: Aidan Hutchinson
Before turning to the Crimson Tide rocket, the franchise therefore chose the new emblem of its defense. And even if he has not yet started his adventure in the NFL, Aidan Hutchinson already impresses with his work and his maturity. The number 97 has everything of a leader, ready to haunt the launchers coming to cross its path. And even if nothing is ever guaranteed at this level, he will be one of the main cogs in Detroit’s defensive system, whose new 4-3 scheme should perfectly match his immense qualities.
And of course, having to wrestle with Penei Sewell during the camp is a real test.
???? @peneisewell58 Replying to @Aydanhutch97 pic.twitter.com/En6x9c3B6n
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 1, 2022
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In summary
Sports lovers know that high hopes can lead to great pain. Detroit fans are safe, they never expect mountains and wonders from their Lions. Not lately, anyway. Barring a new Big Bang, their proteges will not play the Super Bowl in February 2023. They will already have a hard time avoiding a 5th negative balance sheet in a row. But deep down, what’s the plan, where’s the fun?
First, to see talents capable of embodying a generation. Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, they are perhaps the beginnings of a great thrill. Then, you will have to cross your fingers to attract one of the tempting quarterbacks expected in the spring. Finally, when there is that light in the sky of Michigan, when the franchise trades Hard Knocks for the playoff race, it will be time to say it loud and clear: no, the lion no longer associates with the cockroach.
