2007 season recap
Squandered potential: The Lions started the season 6-2 and looked like they would fulfill QB Jon Kitna's wish for a 10-win season. The team only won one more game down the stretch and finished the season at 7-9.
Key camp questions
How will the offense adjust to Jim Colletto's new system?
Without Mike Martz's pass-happy philosophy, the Lions will have a smaller playbook and actually use a running game this season, which will take pressure off of Kitna, who has talented receivers but needs time to make good decisions.
Can the offensive line keep Kitna on his feet?
Kitna threw for more than 4,000 yards last season, but he was also taken down 51 times, more than any other QB in the league. Detroit drafted T Gosder Cherilus in the first round, and he should help shore up the right side. But with most of last year's core back, the new zone- blocking scheme should make more of a difference than personnel.
The defense can only get better, right?
The Lions finished as the worst defensive team in the league last year, and then they traded away one of their best players, DT Shaun Rogers. But they added a slew of help for the secondary, including veteran CBs Leigh Bodden and Brian Kelly. The secondary must improve if Marinelli's preferred Tampa-2 system is to be successful in Detroit.
Key position battle
RB Kevin Smith vs. RB Tatum Bell: Bell was mostly unproductive in 2007, running as a backup to Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett. In the offseason Jones was released and Duckett went to Seattle. Bell is a solid runner in the open field, but he'll need to be pushed in camp by the rookie Smith, who can find holes quicker.
Rookie spotlight
LB Jordon Dizon: The second-round pick out of Colorado will make an impact immediately. Game sense, quickness and smarts make up for his lack of size.
Player on the spot
WR Calvin Johnson: Last year's first-rounder had a lingering back injury, but managed 48 receptions in the Lions' high-flying offense. Despite a renewed commitment to the run, the Lions still expect Johnson's improved health and chemistry with Kitna make him a dangerous threat to opponents' secondaries.
Fantasy focus
QB Jon Kitna: Kitna was seen as an attractive No. 1 fantasy quarterback heading into last season, but his proneness to turnovers and the departure of Mike Martz has deflated his value. The veteran should now be seen as little more than a fantasy reserve and worth a late-round selection.
