Gimme 5: New contenders for the next decade

Published: Sep 01, 2010 at 11:26 AM

3. Detroit Lions

You read that right ... the Detroit Lions. Matthew Stafford is the real deal. He sees the field, gets rid of the ball quickly, and is cool, calm and under control. Calvin Johnson is a game-breaking receiver.

Coach Jim Schwartz is building a defense that gets after the quarterback with a talented front four. It might take this team a few more years to contend, but the Lions are headed in the right direction. Detroit could be a contender in time to shock the football world.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley hopes former teammate Daniel Jones finds 'same fresh start and success' after release by Giants

Asked to react to Daniel Jones' release by the New York Giants on Friday, his former teammate Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley discussed his relationship with Jones, saying that he hopes the QB will find the kind of prosperity he has had since his own departure from the Giants organization this spring.

news

NFL news roundup: Latest league updates from Saturday, Nov. 23

NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown.

news

NFC West race: 49ers, Cardinals, Rams or Seahawks to finish on top? Plus, Vic Fangio's impact on Eagles

In this edition of the Scout's Notebook, Bucky Brooks handicaps the four-team race in the NFC West. Who will finish on top? Are the 49ers suddenly the division's biggest underdogs? Plus, a look at Vic Fangio's immense impact on the Eagles' surging defense.

news

Niners QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) ruled out Sunday vs. Packers; Brandon Allen to start

Brocky Purdy's shoulder soreness is serious enough to keep him out of a massive Week 12 showdown. Purdy has been ruled out for the San Francisco 49ers' game Sunday against the host Green Bay Packers