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5 Biggest Red Flags Heading Into Detroit Lions’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

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5 Biggest Red Flags Heading Into Detroit Lions' 2015 NFL Training Camp

Detroit Lions v San Francisco 49ers
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The Lions lost a big chunk of their defense when they lost Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in free agency. The key to the Lions' success last year was their dominating defensive line. The Lions did trade for Haloti Ngata, but Ngata cannot replicate the success Suh had. The Lions' defensive line looks weakened.

5. Weakened Defensive Line

4. Haloti Ngata
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5. Weakened Defensive Line

4. Haloti Ngata - Copy
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The Lions lost a big chunk of their defense when they lost Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley in free agency. The key to the Lions' success last year was their dominating defensive line. The Lions did trade for Haloti Ngata, but Ngata cannot replicate the success Suh had. The Lions' defensive line looks weakened.

4. Inconsistent Offense

Wild Card Playoffs - Detroit Lions v Dallas Cowboys
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4. Inconsistent Offense

Wild Card Playoffs - Detroit Lions v Dallas Cowboys
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The Lions' offense was inconsistent at times last year and a lot of that was blamed on the Lions still adjusting to their new offensive scheme. Will Matthew Stafford and the rest of the Lions offense show improvement under year two in Joe Lombardi’s system? The Lions have many talented players on the offensive side of the ball and there is no reason they shouldn’t be one of the best in the NFL. Ranking 19th in total offense won’t cut it.

3. Is Eric Ebron a Bust?

Eric Ebron Needs To Improve His Game
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

3. Is Eric Ebron a Bust?

Eric Ebron Needs To Improve His Game
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Year two will be a big year for tight end Eric Ebron. He had a horrible rookie reason and the Lions are hoping he makes big strides this year. Ebron has the talent and the perfect team to succeed in the NFL, but his bad rookie season has to worry the Lions a little bit.

2. Inexperienced Offensive Line

NFL Draft
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2. Inexperienced Offensive Line

NFL Draft
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The Lions' offensive line was a weak area last season and they tried to address that by drafting Laken Tomlinson and traded for Manny Ramirez. But the line is still very young and inexperienced, which means it could take a while for the group to get up to speed. The Lions need their offensive line to play better than last year and to protect their franchise quarterback. Having an improved line also helps the running game.

1. Questionable Talent at Running Back

Joique Bell vs. Ameer Abdullah vs. Theo Riddick
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1. Questionable Talent at Running Back

Joique Bell vs. Ameer Abdullah vs. Theo Riddick
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If the Lions can figure out their running game and who their top rusher will be, it makes their potential high profile offense even better. Joique Bell, Ameer Abdullah, and Theo Riddick don’t necessarily strike fear into opposing defenses or get too many people excited though. A subpar running attack for the Lions will continue to make them a one-dimensional offense, which the Lions can’t keep getting away with.

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