The biggest obstacle that the Detroit Lions face in finding success in 2012 is the Detroit Lions. In 2011, the Lions faced fines and suspensions of key players for undisciplined and completely immature on-field antics. The NFL betting odds world was unimpressed with Detroit's playoff performance in 2011 which resulted in a wild card round loss to the New Orleans Saints.
The loss against the Saints highlighted everything that was wrong with Detroit and gave the Lions a blueprint to follow for the off-season. But, as seems to be the case with the immature Lions, the blueprint was never followed. Now, the online football betting crowd is going to need to be won over again by a talented but undisciplined Lions team.
Offense
The Lions appear to be ready to excel on offense in 2012. The success of the Detroit attack depends on whether or not running back Jahvid Best and quarterback Matthew Stafford can stay healthy. The Detroit offensive line is a solid unit that was able to hold the team together two years ago when Best and Stafford kept getting injured. Now that the line is a couple of years older, the prospects for a good season in 2012 are good.
The Lions have an extremely talented group of wide receivers and tight ends led by standout wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The online bookie crowd has watched Johnson come down with catches that most other receivers would be unable to snag, and Johnson seems to do that every week. If the Detroit offense can stay intact for the 2012 season, then it should be a successful unit.
Defense
Legal problems seem to be plaguing the Detroit defense. Cornerback Aaron Berry was released by the team after getting arrested twice in the off-season. The Lions were already struggling at cornerback and Berry's loss will not help. Superstar defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh is in the middle of a $1 million lawsuit filed by a passenger in a car Suh was driving. The passenger was injured in an accident that was alleged to have been caused by Suh's reckless driving. Suh will have to answer questions as to how much of a distraction the lawsuit is to his season. The questions themselves can also act as more of a distraction than the actual lawsuit.
This is a talented defense, but its key components seem unable to respond well to pressure. Suh was suspended last year for a stomping incident that kept him out of key games towards the end of the season. Berry's arrests just seem to be typical of the immature attitude that pervades the Lions' defense.
Outlook
A bet online review of the Lions' roster shows a team with incredible potential but serious discipline issues. As more and more of those issues start to take their toll on the team, the performance on the field will suffer. If the Lions can stay focused, then it should win the NFC North. If the Lions keep distracting itself with problems, then a wild card spot would be difficult to attain.
0 comments:
Post a Comment