Detroit Lions Tickets

Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna made a bold prediction before the 2007 season, saying his team would win 10 games and make the playoffs.

Kitna looked like a genious early in the year, as the Lions raced out to six wins in a weak conference, making them seem like a lock to make the playoffs.

However, the wheels eventually came off the cart, with the Lions finishing the season with just one additional win and failing to even reach the .500 mark.

The second-half collapse meant major changes for the Lions in the offseason, beginning with the firing of offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

The Lions decided Martz' air-assault put points on the board but wasn't the style that would lead to the most overall success for the team. Detroit wanted to focus on a more run-oriented attack that would keep their mediocre defense off the field and rested.

That also led to changes in the backfield, beginning with the release of running back Kevin Jones. The Lions then re-signed Tatum Bell but also selected a running back in the NFL Draft, giving them some competition for the starting job in training camp and some added depth. It's also possible Jones could return at a discounted rate.

Kitna was his usually erratic self, throwing plenty of touchdown passes but also costing the team with a lot of interceptions.

Rumors that the team was set to trade wide receiver Roy Williams have proven to be greatly exaggerated if not entirely untrue. Williams will team with Calvin Johnson to create one of the top wide receiver tandems in the NFL.

Johnson had a disappointing rookie campaign that was hampered by nagging injuries, but he appears set for a breakout sophomore season.

Defensively, the team traded away defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for cornerback Leigh Bodden. It was a risky trade for each team, as both players have had their share of character issues, and the Lions and Browns hope a change of scenery could be the solution.

The defense wasn't able to stop anyone last year, and it didn't help that their quick-strike offense gave them little time to rest.

It's highly unlikely the Lions will see the playoffs in 2008, as the defense simply isn't strong enough to slow down opposing teams. However, a .500 record could be in the cards.