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ESPN.com: NFL Preview 2001

Monday, August 27, 2001
Updated: August 28, 9:32 AM ET
What's next for Detroit?

By Curt Sylvester
Pro Football Weekly

	2001 LIONS

	Charlie Batch threw 13 TDs and 15 INTs last year.
	Head coach: Marty Mornhinweg (1st year). 2000 record: 9-7. AFC East finish: 4th. 2001 preseason: 1-2. Season opener: Sept. 9 at Packers. Schedule \| Depth chart

The Lions were not the worst team in the NFL last year. Not even close.

In fact, had they beaten the Bears in the season finale at the Silverdome, they would have made the playoffs, and history would have changed.

But in a shameful collapse that is typical of the team's recent history, the Lions lost to the Bears last Christmas Eve, and owner William Clay Ford finally ran out of patience. He hired linebacker-turned-commentator Matt Millen to be the team's president and CEO, touching off what was probably the biggest housecleaning in Lions history.

The question now is whether the Lions pick up where they left off last year -- as a 9-7 team on the verge of playoff competition -- or do they take a step backward as they regroup and start over under new head coach Marty Mornhinweg?

Taking a purely objective look at the team, there is no reason to believe they have made giant strides to improve themselves.

Charlie Batch is still the quarterback, hoping in his fourth NFL season to finally go the distance without a serious injury.

Running back James Stewart will carry the football, probably 300 times or more, and Batch will throw to the same top receivers he's had the past three years -- Johnnie Morton, Herman Moore and Germane Crowell.

The Lions are still trying to put together an effective offensive line and -- to complicate the issue -- they will be playing Mornhinweg's new West Coast offense for the first time.

Most encouraging is the fact Vince Tobin, the new defensive coordinator, inherited a fairly respectable defense. Although the Lions didn't dominate last year, they have a solid nucleus that includes former Pro Bowl players Robert Porcher, Luther Elliss and Stephen Boyd.

Judging by the early returns, that defense might have to keep the Lions in the NFC Central Division race for awhile, while the offense grows into the new system.

Offense
Quarterbacks: Batch was never 100 percent last year, and it showed with his poorest production in three seasons. He had knee and rib problems all of last year, but he worked hard during the offseason to get in shape and grasp the West Coast offense. He must quickly convince Millen and Mornhinweg that he can lead and win, or he might be history by 2002. Jim Harbaugh, at age 37, might have lost a little off his arm, but he's still smart and tough.
Grade: C-minus.

Running backs: In his first season as the Lions' featured back, Stewart carried 339 times for 1,184 yards and 10 touchdowns, with 32 receptions for 287 yards and a score. He might be even more effective this year if Mornhinweg throws to him as much as he has indicated he will. Fullback Cory Schlesinger, primarily a blocker during his six-year career, might get a few carries and catches. Lamont Warren, Amp Lee, Sedrick Irvin and Reuben Droughns are battling it out for the backup running back job.
Grade: C-plus.

Receivers: Morton has matured into a solid, possibly underrated receiver, and Larry Foster brings speed and big-play potential. But can Moore produce after two years of disuse? Will Crowell ever be a consistent receiver? David Sloan and Pete Mitchell are outstanding receiving tight ends, but they're limited in what they can do as blockers.
Grade: B-minus.

The key for the Lions is how Charlie Batch plays. The team will take on the personality of team president Matt Millen. New coach Marty Mornhinweg will put people in the right position. They have some explosiveness on offense, with James Stewart, Germane Crowell and Johnnie Morton; skill-position players will make the difference in the NFC Central.

Batch has to be more efficient and not turn the ball over. He also has to stay healthy. He has the physical skills. If he plays well, the Lions can sneak in and make the playoffs and be a surprise in the league. Millen and company won't tolerate mediocrity.

Offensive linemen: The annual story line continues: The Lions are rebuilding the offensive line again. Gone is veteran right guard Jeff Hartings (to Pittsburgh) and offensive tackle Ray Roberts (retired). So the Lions have first-round pick Jeff Backus at left tackle, a part-time starter from last year at center in Eric Beverly, free-agent acquisition Brenden Stai at right guard and Aaron Gibson, who has had shoulder problems the past two years, at right tackle. Stockar McDougle or Tony Semple will start at left guard. The depth is OK with Kerlin Blaise, Matt Joyce and rookie center Dominic Raiola.
Grade: C.

Defense
Defensive linemen: The Lions are deep and strong, even without Jared DeVries, who had rib surgery and won't play until midseason at the earliest. The Lions start (from left to right) Porcher, James Jones, Elliss and Tracy Scroggins -- all veterans, all solid. But the strength is in the depth, with speed rusher James Hall, Kelvin Pritchett, Travis Kirschke and Alonzo Spellman. Rookie defensive tackle Shaun Rogers will probably also get into the defensive line rotation.
Grade: B.

Linebackers: Middle linebacker Stephen Boyd, a two-time Pro Bowler, is flanked by Allen Aldridge and Chris Claiborne. This trio is solid but not sensational. The depth is somewhat improved with Barrett Green and rookie Jason Glenn joining veterans Scott Kowalkowski and Clint Kriewaldt.
Grade: B-minus.

Defensive backs: If cornerback Bryant Westbrook can complete his recovery from last year's ruptured Achilles' tendon injury, the Lions will be in good shape in the secondary, despite a lack of speed. Westbrook was playing at a Pro Bowl level until he was hurt last year. Cornerback Terry Fair starts on the other side, and safeties Ron Rice and Kurt Schulz are smart and pack a wallop. The addition of Todd Lyght and Robert Bailey lets Lamar Campbell work at the safety positions.
Grade: B-minus.

Special teams
Special-teams coach Chuck Priefer is a good coach, one of three Mornhinweg kept from the previous regime. Priefer puts together good coverages and has above-average talent to work with in all areas -- kicker Jason Hanson, return men Desmond Howard and Larry Foster and punter John Jett. The addition of long snapper Brad Banta completes the cast.
Grade: A-minus.

Curt Sylvester covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press.

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