The Detroit Lions had one of the best off-seasons in the NFL. They drafted a talented young receiver in Roy Williams, stole Kevin Jones at the end of the first round, and in the second round picked up arguably the best linebacker in the draft in the person of Teddy Lehman. Thats an impressive summer in itself, but that was only the draft, now on to the free agents. Brock Marion was added from the quickly imploding Miami Dolphins. Talented defensive back Fernando Bryant came to the motor city from Houston. Detroit sured up the offensive line with the additions of Damien Woody and Soloman Paige. Finally lets not forget the much needed experience of veteran wide out Tai Streets. This incredible talent influx, and believe me as a long time lion fan that's exactly what this is, gives us all visions of playoffs dancing in our heads. however, I urge all my fellow lions fans to be patient. This team has some growing to do.

Before the draft Mooch said that the team needed to get faster, allot faster. Get faster is exactly what they did. Roy Williams has blazing speed on the outside which will stretch defenses. On the other side of the field a bigger, stronger, and once again healthy Charles Rogers will be cutting up the opposition. Throw a healthy Az Akim and new comer Tai Streets into the mix and the boys in Hawaii blue have the looks of a real live NFL receiving corp.

The running back position is looking up this year the move to get hokie Kevin Jones is pushing memories of Barry Sanders to the back of michiganders minds. I haven't heard one person speculate that Barry is going to make a come back this off-season. Thats a big step in the post retirement trauma that most Lions fans suffer from. Detroit is also excited about powerful second year man Artus Pinner who showed flashes of brilliance last season. The additions of veterans Damien Woody and Soloman Paige to the offensive line should help the running game immensely.

The added speed and beefed up line leaves third year slinger Joey Harrington with no excuses. Admittedly, Harrington has had no weapons to fight the war with over the past few years. He has seemingly progressed but his stats have not reflected it, giving critics allot of fire power. This is his second year under the same coaching staff, a luxury he has previously not been afforded. All of this means it's putt up or shut up time for the former duck, I for one think that he has the medal to get it done this year.

The lone bright spot in 2003 was the defense. The lions lone pro bowler last year was Dre Bly who was the only play-maker to be found in Detroit. Now he has some help. At the other corner the Lions added Fernando Bryant who is a talented young corner who along with a healthy chris cash will have opponents throwing the ball less. Brock Marion is a welcome free agent signing for the Lions, something that has been few and far between in recent years. What has everyone talking however, is the Linebacker situation. Second year man Boss Bailey will be flying all over the field again. He is bigger and stronger this year and will hopefully be more of a help in the run game. Rookie Teddy Lehman from Oklahoma will be competing with veterans Wali Rainer and Earl Holmes for playing time. The most overlooked and perhaps man with the most potential in the bunch is James Davis. This is a solid group of backers and will make the defense a formidable foe for opposing offenses.

The problems the Lions will face this year is with there obvious youth and lack of depth. They have a ton of talent but will have rookies and second year guys starting all over the place. The quarterback is a third year guy who is yet to prove himself. If past years are an indicator there will be injuries and lots of them. That is something that they can not afford.

The Detroit Lions are fortunate however not to play in one of the tougher divisions in football. only one team from the north made the playoffs last year leaving it wide open for the taking in 2004. If Detroit can stay healthy and avoid costly rookie mistakes there is no reason why they cant contend for the north crown. That something that hasn't been uttered since it was the central and Barry Sanders was toting the ball. But weve forgotten about him right, now its the Rogers, Williams, and Jones show.