Detroit Lions Information
The Detroit Lions have been members of the National Football League since 1930 when they were known as the Portsmouth Spartans. They have won four league championships, including three in a six-year run in the 1950s, and have a 4-1 all-time record in the Super Bowl. The Lions also have won four division championships, three in the NFC Central, and have made 15 playoff appearances in their history. Steve Mariucci took over the head coaching job of the Lions and led them to a 5-11 record in his first season in Detroit. “Mooch” previously coached in San Francisco for six years where he led the 49ers to two division championships and four playoff appearances. Mariucci inherited a young and inexperienced group last season, but with another season working together, the Lions are looking like a team that could cause some trouble in 2004.
The Detroit Lions should be fun to watch on offense in 2004 because of their youth and exuberance. Quarterback Joey Harrington played college ball at Oregon and was a Heisman favorite in his senior season. To get more media attention on him and the team, the school raised $250,000 to put a billboard on the side of one of the biggest buildings in New York City. The running back position was a committee in 2004 so the Lions drafted Kevin Jones in the late first round of the 2004 draft. Jones will compete with Olandis Gary, Shaun Bryson, and Artose Pinner for the spot in training camp. Charles Rogers, the second overall pick in 2003, will team with seventh overall pick in the 2004 draft Roy Williams to form one of the most explosive young groups in the league. Rogers and Williams are each capable of making a big play at any time in a game.
Earl Holmes led a group of four players that each recorded at least 80 tackles in the 2003 season. Holmes also made ten tackles for loss, second to Shaun Rogers who made 10.5 tackles for loss. James Hall and Robert Porcher each recorded a team high 4.5 sacks while Barrett Green and Shaun Rogers added 3.5 sacks each. Dre’ Bly led the team with five forced fumbles and six interceptions and Terrence Holt added another three interceptions. Jason Hanson, the longtime place kicker for the Lions, posted his best season thus far, converting 22 of 23 field goals (including 4-4 from 50+ yards) and posting 92 points on the season.
The Lions were one of the most active teams in the off-season, both through the draft and through free agency. The Lions came into the draft with the sixth overall pick with Cleveland drafting seventh. When Detroit came up on the board, Cleveland was worried Detroit would take the player they were targeting (Miami tight end Kellen Winslow II), so Cleveland offered Detroit an additional third round pick if they would move down a spot. Detroit jumped at the offer, Cleveland took Winslow II, and Detroit walked away with Roy Williams, a wide receiver out of the University of Texas. Williams showed he was a top-tier wide receiver in college and should make the same impact on the NFL at some point. With the 30th pick, Detroit took Virginia Tech running back Kevin Jones, one of the quickest backs in the draft. Jones could easily step in and lead the team in rushing but it’s uncertain just how many carries he’ll get in his rookie campaign. With the pick they acquired in the deal with Cleveland, the Lions drafted linebacker Teddy Lehman out of the University of Oklahoma. Lehman played on championship teams in college and knows how to win, so he can bring that mentality to a team looking to improve in the future. The Lions also acquired free safety Brock Marion from the Dolphins and cornerback Fernando Bryant from the Jaguars, two players that should strengthen a growing defense.