Detroit Lions 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

By: Admin |

Last Updated: 08/08/2019 at 5:43 AM ET

The Detroit Lions will start the 2018 NFL season with a new head coach as Matt Patricia will now be patrolling the sidelines. Patricia and Bob Quinn the Lions general manager were both with the New England Patriots organizations for many seasons. Patricia was the defensive coordinator for the Pats the past six seasons. Following the Lions 9-7 season, the team fired Jim Caldwell and hired Patricia.

While much has changed the last three seasons under GM Quinn, one constant has been quarterback Matthew Stafford. He returns for his 10th NFL season and has started in 112 straight games, which is the third longest streak amongst active quarterbacks. The offensive scheme remains the same since Jim Bob Cooter was retained as the offensive coordinator. Stafford led an offense last season that was seventh in scoring even though the running game was dead last.
The Lions have invested money this offseason to shore up their poor running game. LeGarrette Blount was signed as a free agent and Kerryon Johnson was drafted out of Auburn. Johnson impressed NFL scouts for his hard-running style. He likely will take over for Ameer Abdullah as the primary running back for the Lions. The Lions drafted center Frank Ragnow from Arkansas to help with the running game. Injuries decimated the offensive line a year ago but they all are healthy again and return to the team. Stafford will have Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones to throw to downfield, while Golden Tate will play in the slot. Theo Riddick is a great receiver out of the backfield as well. The Lions do not have a starting tight end per se but will rotate two or three throughout the game.

Detroit is changing its defense. The new look will be similar to what Patricia ran in New England with three-man fronts along with two-gap responsibilities. The defense last season was 27th for yards allowed, but signed former Giants standout Devon Kennard who is a strong passer rusher. Free agents Jonathan Freeny and Christian Jones were signed to shore up the linebacker corps that is anchored by Jarrad Davis. The Lions picked up Tennessee nose tackle Sylvester Williams and placed the franchise tag on Ezekiel Ansah their top pass rusher.

The secondary was the strength of the defense a season ago and should be the same this season with Darius Slay a Pro Bowler who had eight picks a season ago at corner. Veteran safeties Tavon Wilson and Glover Quin return as well. DeShawn Shead was signed from Seattle as a free agent, while draft pick Teez Tabor is expected to see time.

Odds makers have the Lions pegged at 8-8 this season. Their 9-7 finish a season ago was considered disappointing, but they will be facing tough division opponents in Minnesota and Green Bay. The talent is there to reach the playoffs and with Patricia on the sidelines the defense could be the difference. Look for another 9-7 season for the Lions.

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