Some Reasons to Become a Fan???

Whats up Lions faithful?  Some of you may already know me because I post on the NBA board a lot. 

Now, I am a closet Lions fan.  I have always followed the Lions and it has always ended up just being a big headache.  I live in the metro Detroit area and I would love for the Lions to actually become a winning franchise. 

Like many of you guys, I hate the ownership becuase they dont care about the fans or winning. 

I hate the ownership so bad that I dont even care for the Lions anymore.  I like the NFL but right now the Lions are a joke and it doesn't look like they have a plan so I find it hard to root for them. 

So, I come on here to ask the Lions faithful what are some reasons to watch the Lions this year?  What are you interested in seeing this year?

Thanks...

1. The rise from a 3-13 team to a 7-9 team was bigger last year then people give the Lions credit for.  If you only win 3 games, you don't have talent and you don't work very well as a team.  Getting to 7-9, despite the reality of their crash, was still a huge improvement for a team that's working on learning new systems and is trying to get rid of a history of a losing culture.
2. Teams switching to the Tampa-2 defense have historically taken huge leaps in their 3rd year running the defense, as a combination of the right talent and knowledge of the system converges.  And there currently is no apparent reason why the Lions should not continue this trend.
3. The secondary is far better. Daniel Bullocks is back from an injury that cost the team dearly, and Brian Kelly, Leigh Bodden, Dwight Smith and Kalvin Pearson were all brought in to improve a group that last year had to keep the likes of Tony Beckham on the roster just to fill out the numbers game.
4. Mike Martz has a history of making offenses better when he arrives, and even better when he leaves.  One area which will be hugely improved is the bread and butter type plays, which the Lions haven't had in years.  As a fan you will come to recognize these plays as well as the defense trying to defend against them will, but if a team runs them well they still can be incredibly effective. An example of this would be the  Steelers draw play up the middle with Najeh Davenport now or historically with Jerome Bettis. It's a play that everyone knows is coming - but no most teams can't stop it effectively.
   
5. The Lions are switching "full time" to the zone blocking system they ran occasionally last year, a system that fits the physical abilities of Domanic Raiola, Jeff Baccus and Edwin Mulitalo significantly better.  Add in the fact that Stephen Peterman is coming into his first training camp where he's officially the starter and you can expect improved play from him due to more experience and camp reps.  Finally, you've got to like an infusion of talent in Gosder Cherilus who might not be the flashiest of first round picks - but is someone who gives the Lions true options on the offensive line.
   

DJ,

I am in the same boat as you are. The Lions really don't have much going for them this offseason, as opposed to years past. The one big thing that is different this off-season, as opposed to previous seasons, is they don't have any hype following them. Because of Martz and all of the skill-position draft picks they've made in recent years, there has always been a 'this is the year' attitude with the Lions. Maybe the lack of hype, and the fact that they play in a weaker Division will actually help them.

 I would be interested in seeing how they do now that their entire roster is finally a complete 'Marinelli' bunch.

But if you're looking for results, as far as wins/losses, I would check back in once the Fords or Millen go away. Until then, they will always be 'business first' and could really care less about how the Lions finish.

Elric...

Thanks for the breakdown, I appreciate it...

mpsvsu...

Good point on the no hype this year...

Me, I root for my home team and much like the tigers games I really enjoy being in the stadium on game day. I analyze , root, cheer and sometimes boo. But its always a great time.

Its because of fans like me that the NFL will never move this franchise.

I don't blame you for leaving tho... It can be frustrating. You are always