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The Detroit Lions finished the 2007 regular season with a record of 7-9. After starting 6-2 the Lions lost 7 of their last 8 games with their only victory coming against hapless Kansas City. The defense gave up the most points and yardage last season in the league. Oddsmakers have set the 2008 Detroit Lions projected regular season win total at 6 _ wins.


Schedule:

Detroit plays in the NFC North and that means two games against Minnesota, Chicago and Green Bay. The NFC North plays the NFC South and AFC South with a tough road game at Indianapolis. As the third place team last year they play the two other third place NFC teams and that means a road game at San Francisco and a home game against Washington.

Offense:

Quarterback Jon Kitna was sorry to see offensive coordinator Mike Martz leave the team. He played well in his system and unfortunately the Lions did not have depth on defense to survive a season under Martz running the offense. Kitna passed for over 8000 yards over the past two seasons combined. He has targets in the passing game with Calvin Johnson, Roy Williams and Mike Furrey. The Lions didn’t run the ball because they couldn’t with their personnel. They are counting heavily on third round pick Kevin Smith to run the ball out of Central Florida. Smith’s backup is Tatum Bell. Did I forget to say that Matt Millen is the GM of this team!! This is how you are going to improve you running game? And you want to run more?? You got to be out of your mind.


Defense:

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry ran the worst defense last season and was retained, as Mike Martz was the scapegoat last season. Did you know that Joe Barry is the son-in-law of head coach Rod Marinelli?? How could Matt Millen approve this hiring?? Gone from the defensive line is Shaun Rogers and Kalimba Edwards as Marinelli is hoping to develop Alama-Francis. There is some talk that the Lions may have to carry 10 defensive linemen. DeWayne White is their best pass rusher and there is a huge drop in talent after that. Shaun Cody hasn’t played to his potential and there be a strong competition for jobs in this position. They need some of their rookies to develop. Ernie Sims played well last season at linebacker and is a strong hitter. They are hoping that 2nd round pick Jordan Dizon can develop in the same mold. After trading away Dre Bly last year they are hoping Brian Kelly and Leigh Bodden can get the job done in the secondary.

And now to my Selection:

Rod Marinelli fired the wrong coordinator. His issue was with his defense yet he fires Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. The team was poorly built to run the ball. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry did a horrible job of developing depth on his defense, as you need starters behind starters on defense when Mike Martz is running your offense. At 7-9 last season the team has reached their peak with Matt Millen as the GM of this team. The team wants to run more but with their backfield it will force plenty of second and longs and teams once again will lock up in pass coverage.

Play the Detroit Lions under 6 _ wins for the 2008 season.


Selection: Play Under 6 _ wins in 2008 Regular Season.