Week 1 Sun. 9/13/2009 1:00 PM ET The Detroit Lions Vs. The New Orleans Aints

 Ok , so the Lions are going to get clobbered , right? Maybe not.

 We need to look at what could really happen , and that involves looking at the players and coaches on this Lions team , not the Lions from last year.

 So lets start with the head coach , Jim Schwartz. He has been called a chess player , one who pays attention to stats. Schwartz gives the Lions something they haven't had in a few years , good game management. No wasted time-outs , plays that fit the situation. Schwartz hasen't even coached his first NFL game as a head coach , and I am going to give him the advantage in this matchup. There are other reasons , like Scott Linehan , the Lions new offensive coordinator , with previous head coaching experience. Gunther Cunningham , the new Lions defensive coordinator , also has head coaching experience. Schwartz has his back covered , between his coaches there isn't too much that he would run into that he will not be prepared for.

 Now lets look at a few key players on the Lions. Calvin Johnson will be the #1 wide receiver , and the primary deep threat. They don't get any better than that at wide receiver. The Lions have added other threats at the WR spots that can free up Calvin Johnson. These include Bryant Johnson , Dennis Northcutt , and Derick Williams. The tight end spot has been stocked with the immensely talented Brandon Pettigrew. Pettigrew is expected to start as the #1 TE , and will help block in the running game and move the chains in the passing game.

The running game sees the return of the fast and able Kevin Smith at running back. Kevin Smith almost hit the 1,000 yard mark in russhing in his rookie season , with a low carry total. 976 yards with a 4.2 yard per carry average is something special for a rookie running back on a team that isn't good at running the ball. The Lions also added Maurice Morris from the Seahawks , a solid #2 running back that can step in and start if he needs to. Morris also brings a good yards per carry average with him. At #3 , the Lions have added Aaron Brown through the draft , and Antone Smith as an undrafted free agent. Smith played for Florida , and he has some amazing moves. Both these backs will compete for the #3 RB spot. With Raiola returning at Center , Peterman at right guard , and Gosder Cherilus at right tackle going into his second year , the right side of the offensive line has stability , and some good run blockers. Kevin Smith might pile up some yards.

The Lions secondary is vastly improved , with Louis Delmas at safety , and Henry and Buchanon at the corners. I expect Bullocks to be the other safety. The linebackers are the most improved unit on the defense , with Ernie Sims expected to return to his tackling machine form. Larry Foote was the starting middle linebacker on the Steelers #1 defense for the last several years , and the Lions have him now. Julian Peterson brings pro-bowl experience th the other outside linebacker spot , across from Ernie Sims.

 The Lions have added size and talent with the addition of Grady Jackson on the defensive line. Sammie Hill is the rookie from the draft that should see some time this year on the field. The defensive ends are strong , with Avril and White being great pass rushers.

 Special teams have improved as well , with Derrick Williams drafted to return kicks , and the depth at linebacker , players like Zack Follett will make an impact on special teams (literally) this year. Look out Reggie Bush. Zack is coming to town. If I were an Aints fan , I would see if I could get an insurance policy on Reggie Bush and Drew Brees , with the pass rush the Lions will bring. This could be a hard hitting game , and the Aints play finesse football. The secondary still has question marks , and they have a new defensive coordinator.

 

 Lions by 14.

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Hey , it could really happen.

THAT'S RIGHT PEOPLE!!! IT CAN - AND WILL - HAPPEN! LIONS 38 - SAINTS 3

I would like to invite any Saints fans to leave comments , and have read a good one on your NOLA site. You can post here too.

What Imperical? Appreciate the invite. I'll get with ya'll tomorrow. Peace Out

Should have been What up Imperical? Just wanted to clarif that.

Fantiltheend
Cool. Saints fans should defend their team too. You had some good points on NOLA.

Yall ain't gonna see no Aints fans posting here cuz they're too lazy.

Lions beat the Saints week one. The Lions also trade for Jammal Brown before regular season.

What up lions fans? Although I'm a Saints fan who was invited to the site thought I would check with Imperical to see how your training camp is going. I'm telling ya'll if you think the Saints D is gonna be like last year your in for a big surprise. canusaylions where do you get your info from? The Saints will not trade Brown to the Lions. He's our left tackle for gods sake. Not to mention a Pro Bowl left tackle. You are wishful thinking or wet dreaming. It's not gonna happen. If I was you I guess I would want to trade for him also but Payton or Brees would never let that happen. Right now talk is cheap. I could say the Saints win 45-3 you could say the same. On game day we will know for sure. This I will say I will come to this site if the Saints lose man up and say you had the better team that day. But, if the Lions lose you should take the medicine you have been dishing out the last month. GEAUXX SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will accept blame for the tigers loss. I'm a Red Sox fan

lionscursed

Yall ain't gonna see no Aints fans posting here cuz they're too lazy.
Goes to show you what you know -----. Check out the time of my original post. I posted before you ever did.Sentence removed by blog administrator , Imperical Evidence.







Behave guys. I'll even allow 'stupid' , and 'nonsense' , and 'bufoon' , but no family attacks.


Edited

Good read Imp. My prediction: Lions 34 Saints 24

Nice site. Frist visit.

OK, I'm a lazy Saints fan but I'll tear myself away from my pot of gumbo to comment.
First of all, if you check my blog for comments on the Lions Vs Saints game, you'll see that I'm calling it to be a closer game than most people believe.
Why, because I think it's almost impossible for the Lions not to have improved after last season. I also have been reading good things about Culpepper and I have little faith that the saints secondary will be vastly improved. I'm hoping but not convinced. Finally, New Orleans will be missing two our defensive linemen because of suspension, another plus for the Lions and Culpepper.
Now back to my gumbo.

Wow, two Saints fans ended up commenting. I wish Imp didn't edit that post. I'd like to know what ol' boy had to say.

LionsCursed
It was about your family , had no place here. I do think us Lions fans have the Aints fans awake now , with the coverage they have they were all asleep!!!

Nice site!

Unbelievable predictions!

No family comments here!

Go Saints!