Courtesy Detroitlions.com

Analyzing the Detroit Lions

Rod Marinelli has more weapons than the U.S. military. In fact, the biggest question facing Marinelli, the second-year head coach of the Detroit Lions, is how to get all of his remarkably-talented players involved in what should be one of the NFL's best offenses.

The Lions already have one of the NFL's most prolific passers in Jon Kitna, who finished in the top 10 in every important passing category. In 2006, Kitna had a wonderful pair of wide receivers at his disposal -- Roy Williams and Mike Furrey, who combined for 182 catches.

With passing and receiving like this, what eles do you need for your air attack, you might ask. Apparently Marinelli and the Lions weren't satisfied, as Detroit drafted Calvin Johnson, the top prospect in the 2007 NFL draft and now have one more huge target for Kitna.

Marcus Robinson, another tall speedster, was signed as a free agent, giving Detroit arguably the best and deepest receiving corp in professional football.

The Lions also traded for homerun-hitting running back Tatum Bell -- giving them one more offensive weapon and insurance for injured starting tailback Kevin Jones.

So, offensively, the Lions are set, and should score more points, which was a problem in 2006 (they finished ninth in the NFC in scoring.

A much bigger problem for Marinelli is defense. The Lions surrendered the third-most points in the NFL and finished the season 3-13.

Marinelli is hoping the solution will begin with putting more pressure on the quarterback. Fifth-year defensive end DeWayne White, a free agent signee from Tampa Bay should help. The Lions will also need immediate impact from rookies Ikaika Alama-Francis (defensive end, second round), Gerald Alexander (safety, second round) and A.J. Davis (cornerback, fourth round).

Although Marinelli has plenty of weapons on offense, his defense is still highly suspect. If the Lions can score 25-plus points per outing, they might be able to win six or seven games in 2007. If you're a Detroit fan, don't hold your breath.

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