2006 Detroit Lions Preview

2006 season preview of the Detroit Lions NFL football team from Maddux Sports expert sports handicappers. Once the regular season starts don't miss any of Maddux's Expert NFL Picks and you will want to check out the free NFL odds section of the site featuring live odds from the best online sportsbook websites.

Last season, the Lions were one of the worst teams on offense and average on defense. They have another new head coach— first-timer Rod Marinelli—and the same GM—Matt Millen, who has guided the Lions to the worst five-year record in the NFL-- 21-59.

Quarterback is a problem. The two choices are Jon Kitna and Josh McCown, neither of whom started for their former teams in 2005. Kitna is 34 years old and has thrown 108 career touchdowns and 104 interceptions. McCown, who played for Arizona, was replaced three times in the past two seasons as the team’s starter.

The running game shows potential, especially because the frontline is fairly solid. Damien Woody, Dominic Raiola and Jeff Backus are all tough up front. This should help RB Kevin Jones (186 ATT, 664 YDS, 3.6 AVG, 5 TDs) reach his full potential this season. Jones offers versatility—a punishing runner and a sure-handed receiver.

At WR, free agent Corey Bradford (Houston) gives the team a deep game, while Marcus Pollard (46 REC, 516 YDS, 11.2 AVG, 3 TDs) and Roy Williams (45 REC, 687 YDS, 15.3 AVG, 8 TDs) are sure targets.

The defense is held together by Pro Bowl tackle Shaun Rogers. Dan Wilkinson, a vital veteran, has retired, leaving second-year man Shaun Cody to replace him. Overall, this is a good line in need of another pass rusher.

The linebacking squad has three sideline-to-sideline players—rookie Ernie Sims (Florida State), Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey—and depth with James Davis and Alex Lewis. This is the team’s best defensive unit.

The secondary got an immediate upgrade when Detroit drafted versatile Daniel Bullocks (Nebraska). Kenoy Kennedy is a fine strong safety and at corner Dre’ Bly is one of the best players in the NFL.

The coaching staff is very deep, with fired St. Louis headman Mike Martz as offensive coordinator and Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson running the “D” for the Lions.

2006 Detroit Lions Predictions

There are 16 “new” vets on the Lions, along with 7 draftees. Mix that with an entirely new coaching staff and you’ve got a recipe for some interesting times. Winning times? Probably not. Look for Detroit to once again be bad and finish last in the NFC North Division.

For more info on the Lions NFC North division rivals check out the Bears, Vikings, and Packers team previews that Maddux Sports has compiled for the football bettor.

For more info and news on the 2006 Detroit Lions football team visit the Detroit pro team page at NFL.com.