Williams is a playmaker. We’ve been saying this for years now, but here goes anyway: Is this the year the Detroit Lions finally break out?
Henderson is a proponent of the “Cover 2” defensive scheme that Dungy favored during his and Marinelli’s tour of duty in Tampa Bay. Last year’s Jets were outstanding at pass defense, but not so hot at stuffing the run. That’s where Marinelli’s skills come into play. His reputation as one of the best defensive line coaches in the league was well deserved. It was his front four, led by Simeon Rice and Warren Sapp, who made the difference in winning Super Bowl XXXVII over the Oakland Raiders.
Marinelli and Henderson join new offensive coordinator Mike Martz on Detroit’s overhauled coaching staff. But after years of drafting wide receivers, the Lions were clearly intent on improving their defense in 2006, selecting linebacker Ernie Sims from Florida State and safety Daniel Bullocks out of Nebraska. Sims is already proving to be a handful; he had 10 tackles in his pro debut as the Lions held Seattle’s vaunted offense to 264 total yards, including just 51 yards rushing by league MVP Shaun Alexander.
Martz will have to work some magic with quarterbacks Jon Kitna and Josh McCown if Detroit is going to break the .500 mark this season. But with the makings of a stout defense, the Lions could be profitable to handicappers – especially if they keep losing close games like they did in Week 1.
