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Rebuilding mode

By mbarone, Section NFL
Posted on Tue Nov 29 2005 at 7:04 PM EST
More on: (all tags)

The Lions started their rebuilding process by firing head coach Steve Mariucci and naming Dick Jauron their interim head coach.

For those of you who remember, Jauron was the head coach of the Chicago Bears before Lovie Smith took over at the beginning of the 2004 season.

A look at what the Lions must do in order to become a winning franchise again:

It doesn't get any better for the running backs, either. Kevin Jones has carried the ball 159 times for 523 yards and 5 touchdowns. This doesn't get it done, considering that Jones was a 1,000 yard rusher in his rookie year. Also, the Lions average 91.09 rushing yards per game. That is dismal. Add 195.1 and 91.09 and you get the Detroit Lions' average offensive production per game (286.19 yards). Also, Joey Harrington has a severe case of fumbilitis because he has fumbled 7 times in 10 games. I think that Jones will be fine in his career, so I don't think Detroit needs a running back because Jones is the future at that position.

The wide receiver position is full of talent, but there is no one that throws the ball there that often. The Williams' are having a decent year. (52 receptions, 739 yards, and 6 touchdowns between the two of them)Marcus Pollard is a nice addition at the tight end position, but once again, no one is able to throw the ball to them.

The defense has given up 20 points per game, which is a decent number. They have forced 24 turnovers, which is approximately two per game. The defense is pretty talented, but it is the offense that needs the most work, especially at the quarterback position. 22 offensive turnovers on the season is a high number, and that needs to lower immediately. Adding a couple of defensive playmakers would also help. This team needs to stay healthy, and not lose players due to drug suspensions.

Eddie Drummond was a one hit wonder. His punt return average is 4.7, and he is about ready to lose his job to R.W. McQuarters. Also, his kick return average of 20.9 is a little low, so, I'd consider some upgrades to the special teams.

The punter, Nick Harris, is fine. Jason Hanson, the kicker, is 11-16 for field goals on the season. He is aging fast, so a new kicker might be needed sometime soon.

The Lions are in rebuilding mode, and it will take some time for the team to be competitive again, but if they make the right moves, then they'll be in the playoffs within a few years.