In the weeks leading up to the kickoff the 2008 NFL Season, I’ll take a look at position groups that could potentially lift teams to new heights, or bury them and their postseason hopes. Today I take a look at how the Detroit Lions will need more than Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson to be successful on offense.
NFL cornerbacks are going to have their hands full trying to defend Detroit Lions’ wide receivers Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson this season. But even with the outstanding talent at wide receiver, the Lions are going to need way more help to succeed offensively in 2008.
Over the past two seasons, quarterback Jon Kitna has thrown for over 4,000 yards and completed over 62% of his passes. But he compiled those stats in Mike Martz’s offense, the same Mike Martz who is now the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.
Kitna is a tough veteran who probably doesn’t get enough credit for what he does for his team on the field, but can he survive without Martz’s play calling and guidance? Looking at his receiving corps, it’s easy to say yes. But dig deeper.
While Kitna has compiled outstanding numbers over the past two seasons, he’s also been sacked more times than any other NFL quarterback. The Lions did select promising former offensive linemen Gosder Cherilus in the first round of April’s draft, but he’ll need time to develop. Until he does, Detroit’s offensive line is likely to continue to struggle.
While Lions’ GM Matt Millen deserves credit for building a talented wide receiving corps over the past couple drafts, it should be noted that it took him several tries (and several first round picks) to do so. Millen’s 2003 first round pick, Charles Rogers, proved to be a bust. Millen’s 2005 first round pick, Mike Williams, proved to be an even bigger bust.
Wide receiver is arguably the most overrated position on the football field, yet Millen used four first round picks on wide out over the past six drafts. Only Williams and Johnson have panned out, while the offensive line remains a mess and the defense is void of talent.
Fans love to claim how the Lions’ offense will be tough to stop with Williams, Johnson and underrated Mike Furrey. But remember, there’s only one ball and it’ll be tough for Kitna to spread the ball around to all of his weapons while he’s lying on his back.
– RB Brian Westbrook (ankle), QB Donovan McNabb (chest) and TE L.J. Smith (back) continue to miss practice this week for the Eagles. Westbrook and Smith probably won’t play this Sunday night in Chicago, but McNabb still seems likely to start. (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)