There it is, 0-16. It's bold, it's ugly, it's like herpes because it never goes away. The gift that keeps on giving. It's also incredibly unfair.

Sure, the Lions went 0-16 and in doing so set the standard for losing in all of professional sports history. But it's just that...HISTORY. I realize that getting off to a great start in the pre-season means absolutely nothing in terms of predicting regular season success. The Lions were 4-0 before they were 0-16, but that was a team that looked completely disjointed. Compare and contrast that with what we see now.

The 2011 Detroit Lions have an identity. It's about the Defensive Line. They set the tone for what's to come, a long afternoon of picking yourself up off the turf until you have to be helped off the turf. They are intimidators that back up the bravado with the blue-collar attitude that we in the D love. The opposing offensive units know they better pack a lunch because it's gonna be a battle every Sunday.

Offensively, the sky is the limit. But that limit changes the second Matthew Stafford gets hurt. So, just like Burt Reynolds said in The Longest Yard, "Protect your quarterback". Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton both won games last season when called upon, but to reach their full potential, Stafford needs to be at the helm.

There are other differences we see, this team has a swagger and a confidence that began when they added leaders on both sides of the ball before last season. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burleson brought with them a professional attitude that mimes the head coach Jim Schwartz. The coaching staff has experience and that commands respect.

I don't think the Lions will make the Super Bowl, but every time I watch them, they show improvement. This is a team that will contend for a playoff spot and one that has been built to last, not just show and go. They have their deficiencies to be sure, but there is legitimate reason to be optimistic for the future. Lions fans have waited long enough and with a little bit of luck, the future is now.