Pat Caputo: With Optimism High As Ever, Lions Must Cash In On Potential
The state of the Lions entering the 2011 season has never been more confusing.
On one hand, this is easily the most anticipated year since the 1990s when Barry Sanders was forcing tackler after tackler to miss in the open field. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is the Lions' best player since Sanders. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is a close second. Matthew Stafford has been disappointingly injury prone, but his performance this preseason erased many doubts about his pure ability to play quarterback in the NFL. He is a prototype — a potential star. And there are many things to like about head coach Jim Schwartz and his staff, especially offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham.
Sports Illustrated is picking the Lions to reach the playoffs. Their bandwagon, completely empty after beginning last season 2-10, is actually getting kind of crowded.
On the other hand, what have the Lions done, exactly, to earn such respect?