Three Things to Look For From Lions Camp 2007

Three Things to Look For From Lions Camp 2007

The second year of Lions Camp under coach Rod Marinelli began with tons of hype as highlighted by Jon Kina's ten- win prediction. Most of the national media snickered when they heard Kitna's claim. I for some reason thought to myself that Jon Kitna, may be on to something after all. Sine 2001, the Lions are 24-72, something has to give. Here are three key objectives for Lions Camp 2007 and if the Lions can tackle these issues, they just might get a shot a winning season and the NFL playoffs.

1. Is Kevin Jones going to be ready for the start of the 2007 season?
The Lions need this question answered. Tatum Bell will help loosen the load for Kevin Jones this season and is having a fine training camp thus far but he is not the complete back that Jones is. Jones is still recovering from Lisfranc surgery on his left foot and is expected to miss all of Lions Camp 2007 on the physically- unable- to- perform list. Right now the odds are 50-50 that Jones will be ready to go for the start of the 2007 season. My Detroit insider has been watching Jones closely-- he is ahead of schedule and running at full- speed. The problem is when Jones wants to cut, there is some hesitate and a lack of confidence in his ability to change direction. Jones spent the last two weeks working out in Arizona (the new hot- bed for professional performance training) and looks physically ready to go but with server injuries, the hard part is not getting back into shape, it is breaking through the mental barriers. Jones needs to be both physically and mentally ready to start 2007. With that said, look for new signing and local college star, T.J. Duckett to get some touches, especially around the goal line until Jones is comfortable and Marinelli is ready to play him. The Lions finished dead last in the league in both rushing attempts (304) and yards per game (70.6) last year so this is the Lions number one focal- point at camp and during pre- season play. Look for another on Kevin Jones and Detroit running back situation.

2. Can new defensive coordinator Joe Barry get this defense playing better after some key off- season losses?
To me, this is the big question in Detroit. Last year, the Lions had one of the worst defenses in the league ranking 28th overall in total defense. Barry has his work cut out for him that is for sure. The Lions best cornerback, Dre Bly is in Denver, the Lions best pass rusher from a year ago, James Hall is with the Rams and the always durable and rugged safety, Terrance Holt is now with the Cardinals. The acquisition of Dewayne White should account for the loss of Hall. The Lions must have a more consistent year from the historically underachieving defensive end, Kalimba Edwards. Rookie from Hawaii, Ikaika Alama- Francis is going to be a fine player and will make an impact on the Lions pass rush efforts in 2007, guaranteed. His coach at Hawaii and former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville labeled Alama- Francis as the, "most talented defensive lineman I've ever coached."  The Lions have a young secondary with only one real proven leader. Fernando Bryant did have a quality year last year but his durability is a question mark to me still. Bryant missed all of 2005 with an injury. The key for the Lions defense in this revamped Tampa Bay system is the defensive line. Shaun Rogers, Cory Redding and Shaun Cody need to clog the middle while the ends lead by White and Edwards need to get the sacks, and in bunches this year. Almost forgot Boss Bailey. Can this tremendously talented linebacker get back to his old ways and give the Lions a season of full- throttle linebacking-- I see Bailey having a better year than in 2006 and a healthy one at that.

3. Can Jon Kitna pass for 4,000 plus yards again without the 22 interceptions, and who is the Lions backup quarterback?
I like this question for two reasons. Number one, many people around the league and sitting at home on Sunday's thought Kitna had a great year last year and number two, Kitna, spouted off at the mouth and predicted a 10 win season. Kitna did air it out last year to Mike Furrey and Roy Williams amassing over 4,000 yards passing but had more interceptions (22) than touchdowns (21). Kitna also lost nine fumbles in 2006. If my addition is correct that means 31 big turnovers from the Lions quarterback position in 2006, wow! This year the Lions should have a better offensive line, should. Last year the Lions were ravaged with injuries and the loss of rapport due to new personal shifting in and out hurt the pass protection for Kitna. In 2007, barring any injuries, Kitna should feel more protected in the pocket. Kitna makes most of his mistakes when he is trying to do too much. With the added weapons at receiver, Kitna should be more willing to sit in the pocket and zip passes down the field instead of looking to make plays on the run. The best player in the 2007 NFL Draft was Calvin Johnson and with him in camp and ready this should mean less mistakes from Kitna. I see an improved year from Kitna-- expect another 4,000- yard season with fewer interceptions in 2007. The recent injury of local college star, Drew Stanton means that Dan Orovsky is now the number two quarterback on the depth chart. Don't tell J.T. O'Sullivan that though. I liked when the Lions drafted Stanton because it meant that Kitna had a solid rookie back up that could come in and do some good things while working towards the future of the team-- Stanton is the future quarterback of this Lions team without question. The good thing is Stanton does get a year to absorb Martz's deep offense and the Lions have an extra roster spot but Orovsky and O'Sullivan are not the future quarterbacks and with Stanton sidelined for all of 2007, Kitna has no choice but to put up some better numbers in 2007.