The Detroit needed a change after the 2005 season and they got one. Offensive guru Rod Martinelli took over with his complex offensive coordinator Mike Martz and his schemes while instilling a new team attitude. The team has been overhauled with individual players being shipped elsewhere, with high character team players being brought in. 2006 was a painful learning process for the Lions but they do have the right idea with team philosophy and should improve after their 3-13 season. Bodog.com has made the Detroit Lions 70 to 1 betting odds to win Super Bowl XLII.
Mike Martz’s offensive system is based on lots of timing patterns and reliance on QB accuracy. Because of it’s intricacies Martz’s offense takes some time to learn. QB Jon Kitna is a smart leader who opened some eyes last year with over 4,000 passing yards. Kitna is physically limited but continues to produce so his intangible make him solid overall.
Head coach Rod Martinelli is a Tony Dungy disciple who runs the Tampa-2. The defense last year was quite simply: very bad. On the D-Line the Lions will welcome the return of inside force DT Shaun Rogers who missed most of last year. DT Cory Redding also plays end and defends the against the run tremendously. The ends are young and improving but must step up their play. All the linebackers can fly around with good speed. Knockout hit artist OLB Ernie Sims has the goods to be a star if he can get more disciplined. OLB Boss Bailey has struggled with injuries but when healthy he has Pro-Bowl talent.
The Secondary needs to make plays. Last year the corners were toasted with regularity. Free-agent addition Travis Fisher is the ideal fit for the Tampa-2 but is undersized and lacks recovery speed. Safeties Daniel Bullocks and Kenoy Kennedy are probably the best of the group with their run support ability. Overall this unit looks flawed and will be picked on this season. The Lions have a real weapon on Special Teams with ageless Kicker Jason Hanson. Hanson still has a huge accurate leg at age 37. The return units are so-so but the Special Teams overall look good.
The Lions are on the right track and it’s about time the restless Detroit fans got some wins. While a division title will not happen this year don’t be surprised if the Lions post a 7-9 mark.
Brad Marchetti Opening Day Detroit Lions Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale
20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great
Coaching: 50
Quarterback : 50
Backs : 55
Receivers : 65
Offensive Line : 45
Defensive Line : 55
Linebackers : 55
Secondary : 45
Special Teams : 65
Bodog.com has posted NFL betting odds to win the 2008 Super Bowl XLII:
Arizona Cardinals 40/1
Atlanta Falcons 60/1
Baltimore Ravens 18/1
Buffalo Bills 100/1
Carolina Panthers 25/1
Chicago Bears 15/1
Cincinnati Bengals 15/1
Cleveland Browns 125/1
Dallas Cowboys 20/1
Denver Broncos 20/1
Detroit Lions 70/1
Green Bay Packers 38/1
Houston Texans 100/1
Indianapolis Colts 15/2
Jacksonville Jaguars 30/1
Kansas City Chiefs 50/1
Miami Dolphins 55/1
Minnesota Vikings 50/1
New England Patriots 8/5
New Orleans Saints 14/1
New York Giants 30/1
New York Jets 38/1
Oakland Raiders 70/1
Philadelphia Eagles 18/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 25/1
San Diego Chargers 6/1
San Francisco 49ers 15/1
Seattle Seahawks 18/1
St.Louis Rams 40/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 45/1
Tennessee Titans 50/1
Washington Redskins 40/1
