NFL Detroit Lions

5 Changes the Detroit Lions Need to Make for the 2015 Season

5 Changes the Detroit Lions Need to Make for the 2015 Season

Matthew Stafford Detroit Lions fumble
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Detroit Lions exceeded expectations in 2014, what happened in early 2015 deflated their morale. The Lions don’t exactly need to rebuild, but they do need to make some modifications. Here are five changes that could help the Detroit Lions in 2015.

5. Cut Ndamukong Suh Loose

Ndamukong Suh Detroit Lions defensive tackle
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cut Ndamukong Suh Loose

Ndamukong Suh Detroit Lions defensive tackle
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Think about the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks, and think about how often they overpay for players. The Detroit Lions will improve if they choose not to invest a lion’s share of their salary cap in Ndamukong Suh.

4. Draft Texas Longhorns Defensive Tackle Malcolm Brown

Texas Longhorns football Malcolm Brown Defensive Tackle
Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

4. Draft Texas Longhorns Defensive Tackle Malcolm Brown

Texas Longhorns football Malcolm Brown Defensive Tackle
Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Mel Kiper’s first mock draft of 2015 projects defensive tackle Malcolm Brown going to the Lions in the first round at the 23rd pick. He likely won’t mirror Suh’s presence or production, but he can help uphold an imposing Lions defense if they draft and develop him.

3. Figure Out The Tight End Situation

Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

3. Figure Out The Tight End Situation

Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions are one playmaking tight end away from unleashing Calvin Johnson into his final form. Eric Ebron could be the guy to occupy the middle making it harder for defenses to occupy Johnson and Golden Tate. It’s up to the Lions to quickly figure out if Ebron is up for the job, or out of the rotation.

2. Run The Ball More

Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. Run The Ball More

Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit ran the ball fewest among NFL playoff teams and finished fifth-worst (28th of 32) in rushing yards. Detroit will have to be more assertive with the run in 2015 if they’d like to keep teams like the Dallas Cowboys from coming back and ripping out their collective heart.

1. Play More Aggressive When Ahead

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

1. Play More Aggressive When Ahead

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

What happened in Dallas during the wild-card round was the epitome of the Detroit Lions’ season. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi would become vanilla and predictable in his play-calling whenever the Lions held an advantage. Next season, the Lions need to kick other teams when they’re down, and go for the jugular. The 2015 campaign needs to be about going for the win and not about avoiding the loss.

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