As the 2009 version of the Detroit Lions rolled out on Friday so did the new era.  The only way this team goes from here is up.  They were the preseason champs at 4-0 and the completely defeated 0-16 bottom feeders. 

 Matt Stafford is likely going to start very early in the season.  He could even be the opening day starting quarterback.  He is the first QB pick the Lions have had that I like.  He has been the man his whole life leading up to this moment.  It could have been worse.  They could have drafted Tim Tebow instead if he had come out.  What a disaster that would have been.

Matt Stafford will have the Lions in the playoffs in three years.  That is my prediction.

The Lions also picked up several key veterans Larry Foote, Jon Jansen, and Julian Peterson.  They now have a dynamic set of three linebackers.  All three are top players.  If Jon Jansen can give the Lions 14 starts this year the Lions will run and pass the ball better with one more solid blocker.  Four of the Lions five lineman are solid and drafting TE Brandon Pettigrew who may blossom about the same time as Stafford.

  I have been away from this community for a while because of the changeover and then a computer crash.  I am all set up now.