A Change of Direction

The Jim Caldwell Era in Detroit is over.  Most coaches who lose jobs in the NFL typically have failure associated to them in terms of record and results.  Caldwell led the Lions to records of 11-5, 7-9, 9-7 and 9-7 over his four seasons.  Those four seasons included two playoff births.  But in the NFL, that is not enough to keep a job with some franchises.

In steps new head football coach Matt Patricia.  The former New England Patriots defensive coordinator will now be tasked with improving a Lions defense that ranked in the bottom third of the league in yards and points allowed.  To add to the difficulty of the job, the Lions have their best pressure player and leading tackler set to hit free agency in Ezekiel Ansah and Tahir Whitehead.

The Lions offense ranked 7th in the NFL in points scored as quarterback Matthew Stafford has continued his strong play in recent years.  Stafford represents a foundation from which Matt Patricia can build his team from.  Improving the defense and enhancing the running attack can only help Stafford as he enters into his 30's.

In a very competitive NFC North, the Lions can compete for the division with some improvement this offseason.  With the uncertainty with the Vikings quarterback situation and the return of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers from injury, the Lions might be in the best shape under center to get The Matt Patricia Era off with a quality season.

Offensive Ranking: 14th

Defensive Ranking: 27th

Key Free Agents:  

Ezekiel Ansah - DE - A 12 sack season in 2017 put his injury plagued 2016 two sack season back into perspective.  But a long history of lingering injuries makes a significant investment not without risk.  Set to turn 29 years old in May.

Greg Robinson - T - Was released during the season with an injury designation due to an ankle problem.  Robinson continued his inconsistent play in Detroit that has defined much of his career.  

Haloti Ngata - DT - Was enjoying a productive season in 2017 before a torn biceps ended his year after just five games.  The 34 year old defensive tackle has publicly stated that he plans to play in 2018. 

Tahir Whitehead - LB - Played well against the run leading the team in tackles.  Whitehead has recorded triple digit tackles over the past two NFL seasons.

DJ Hayden - CB - The former first round pick started just one game in 2017 but did appear in 16 games as a depth player.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Eric Ebron - TE - Ebron is set to count $8.2M against the salary cap in 2018. His second half of 2017 was wildly more productive then the first half of the season.  Ebron would probably have earned a new contract with a complete breakout season.  But as it stands, look for him to play under his 5th year option and the Lions to look into a possible deal next offseason.