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Marshawn Lynch Wanted to Be Traded to the Packers

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NFL • 10 months ago

5 Detroit Lions Facing Make-or-Break Seasons In 2015

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Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5 Detroit Lions Facing Make-or-Break Seasons In 2015

Detroit Lions — The Detroit Lions are coming off of a playoff appearance in 2014, but with the loss of Ndamukong Suh and other key players, as well as a tough 2015 schedule, it will be long road back. The team is tasked with finding a new identity on defense without Suh and more consistency on offense – particularly in the running game. Detroit’s success hinges on these five players having a make-or-break season.

The Detroit Lions are coming off of a playoff appearance in 2014, but with the loss of Ndamukong Suh and other key players, as well as a tough 2015 schedule, it will be long road back. The team is tasked with finding a new identity on defense without Suh and more consistency on offense – particularly in the running game. Detroit’s success hinges on these five players having a make-or-break season.

5. Eric Ebron, TE

Eric Ebron Make-or-Break

5. Eric Ebron, TE

Eric Ebron Make-or-Break — Ebron is a young player entering just his second season. While it may be too early for him to be facing a “make-or-break” season, he certainly is facing a “boom-or-bust” season. Ebron is allegedly a big part of the team’s plans in 2015, so his success is vital to their success. His rookie numbers (25 receptions, 248 yards and one touchdown) simply will not cut it this year. Plus, if he fails to impress again, he may be labeled as a bust forever.

Ebron is a young player entering just his second season. While it may be too early for him to be facing a “make-or-break” season, he certainly is facing a “boom-or-bust” season. Ebron is allegedly a big part of the team’s plans in 2015, so his success is vital to their success. His rookie numbers (25 receptions, 248 yards and one touchdown) simply will not cut it this year. Plus, if he fails to impress again, he may be labeled as a bust forever.

4. Bill Bentley, CB

Bill Bentley Make-or-Break

4. Bill Bentley, CB

Bill Bentley Make-or-Break — Bentley is entering his fourth season with the Lions and has yet to really show starting potential. He missed nearly the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL and has yet to record a single interception in his career. Rookies Alex Carter and Quandre Diggs (who has been impressing in OTAs), along with several veteran players vying for the nickel cornerback role means Bentley needs to step up in 2015 – if he even ends up making the final roster.

Bentley is entering his fourth season with the Lions and has yet to really show starting potential. He missed nearly the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL and has yet to record a single interception in his career. Rookies Alex Carter and Quandre Diggs (who has been impressing in OTAs), along with several veteran players vying for the nickel cornerback role means Bentley needs to step up in 2015 – if he even ends up making the final roster.

3. Joique Bell, RB

Joique Bell Make-or-Break

3. Joique Bell, RB

Joique Bell Make-or-Break — Bell has been sitting out the majority of OTAs after undergoing some minor surgeries this offseason. With Reggie Bush now in San Francisco, Bell has a chance to emerge as a lead back in 2015. This year is make-or-break for him to solidly himself as an every-down running back. At age 29 (at season start), he may only have a couple good years left at a position that constantly takes a pounding. Standing in his way is rookie Ameer Abdullah, though.

Bell has been sitting out the majority of OTAs after undergoing some minor surgeries this offseason. With Reggie Bush now in San Francisco, Bell has a chance to emerge as a lead back in 2015. This year is make-or-break for him to solidly himself as an every-down running back. At age 29 (at season start), he may only have a couple good years left at a position that constantly takes a pounding. Standing in his way is rookie Ameer Abdullah, though.

2. Ryan Broyles, WR

Ryan Broyles Make-orBreak

2. Ryan Broyles, WR

Ryan Broyles Make-orBreak — Broyles has all the potential in the world, but injury and inconsistent play have plagued his career thus far. If he does not show the ability to stay healthy and prove he can make plays in 2015, Broyles may not be hanging out in the Motor City much longer. He had 22 catches, 310 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2012. In the previous two seasons combined, he had just 10 catches for 110 yards and zero touchdowns in 11 games.

Broyles has all the potential in the world, but injury and inconsistent play have plagued his career thus far. If he does not show the ability to stay healthy and prove he can make plays in 2015, Broyles may not be hanging out in the Motor City much longer. He had 22 catches, 310 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2012. In the previous two seasons combined, he had just 10 catches for 110 yards and zero touchdowns in 11 games.

1. Matthew Stafford, QB

Matthew Stafford Make-or-break

1. Matthew Stafford, QB

Matthew Stafford Make-or-break — As the signal-caller for Detroit, Stafford truly holds the key to the team’s success. He has plagued them with terrible decisions in the past, but he also led them to unfathomable comebacks at times. But it is that very inconsistency that must stop if Stafford wants to be considered an elite quarterback in this league and lead the Lions back to the playoffs. If Stafford has another turnover-plagued season, he may be on a short leash.

As the signal-caller for Detroit, Stafford truly holds the key to the team’s success. He has plagued them with terrible decisions in the past, but he also led them to unfathomable comebacks at times. But it is that very inconsistency that must stop if Stafford wants to be considered an elite quarterback in this league and lead the Lions back to the playoffs. If Stafford has another turnover-plagued season, he may be on a short leash.

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Detroit Lions

Ryan O'Bleness is a writer for RantSports.

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NFL• 3 weeks ago

Laquon Treadwell Should Be Lions' No. 1 Post-Combine Draft Target

After the announcement of Calvin Johnson's retirement, the Detroit Lions would be wise to target Laquon Treadwell as apotential successor to Megatron.

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NFL• 1 month ago

2016 NFL Draft: Lions Pre-Combine Seven-Round Mock

The Detroit Lions will be looking to improve upon a disappointing 7-9 season in 2015 as they prepare for the 2016 NFL Draft.

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NFL• 1 month ago

Lions' 5 Biggest Needs Entering 2016 NFL Combine

The 2016 NFL Combine takes place this week and it will be a vital part of the Detroit Lions' rebuilding phase.

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NFL• 1 month ago

Lions Made Right Move By Cutting Bell

The Detroit Lions have gained a lot by cutting Joique Bell.

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NFL• 2 months ago

5 Prospects Lions Should Target In 2016 NFL Draft

After a disappointing 7-9 finish last season, here are five prospects the Detroit Lions should target in the 2016 NFL Draft.

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NFL• 2 months ago

Lions' Stafford Has Much To Prove If Johnson Retires

Matthew Stafford will have to prove that he can sustain success without Calvin Johnson.

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NFL• 2 months ago

5 Free Agents Detroit Lions Should Target In 2016

With the added element of Calvin Johnson's possible retirement, here are five free agents the Detroit Lions should pursue this offseason.

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NFL• 2 months ago

Calvin Johnson and 4 NFL Stars Who Retired Early

Calvin Johnson is following in the footsteps of some of the NFL's greatest players by announcing his early retirement.

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NFL• 2 months ago

Lions' Calvin Johnson Reportedly Retiring

According to one report, Calvin Johnson has informed the Detroit Lions of his plans to retire from the game of football.

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NFL• 3 months ago

Lions Keeping Caldwell Has Benefits

Though Jim Caldwell isn't the greatest head coach, the Detroit Lions still benefit by keeping him.

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