NFL team previews — NFC Central
By Curt Sylvester
As published in print Aug. 21, 2000
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Lions DT
Luther Ellis
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This is getting serious. Must be. Bobby Ross just couldn’t help himself. He used
the "L" word to describe his feelings for the 2000 Lions.
"I love our team,’’ Ross said.
The question now is whether the Lions’ head coach will still love his team in the
cold days of December, because — despite the admiration Ross expressed after three
productive weeks of training camp — the Lions will go into the new season with more
than a few rough edges showing.
Yes, they’re willing workers.
Yes, they’re big and strong on the offensive line, where Ross likes his players
big.
Yes, they have found a respectable running game with James Stewart.
Yes, their defense appears solid front to back, as long as their cornerbacks stay
healthy.
In all likelihood, the 2000 Lions are more to Ross’ liking than any of his first
three Lions teams, which finished 9-7 in 1997, 5-11 in ’98 and 8-8 in ’99.
But that doesn’t guarantee a first-place finish in the NFC Central, and it
doesn’t ensure a return to the playoffs in January.
To advance that far — and possibly win their first playoff game since the ’91
season — will require many pieces to come together at the right time, including the
fracture in QB Charlie Batch’s right knee.
Batch is the Lions’ most important player. If he plays, they can be effective
offensively. If he doesn’t play — and he has a history of injuries — the
Lions could be in for the struggle of their lives, even with Stewart and the jumbo-sized
offensive line.
Top of page
| Quarterbacks |
Grade C+ |
| In two years, Batch has proved he can be an effective passer
and leader, but the Lions probably won’t know until the last minute if he’ll be
fully recovered from his offseason injury in time for opening day. If Batch can’t
play, the Lions might suffer. The backups struggled in training camp and the early
exhibition games. Projected No. 2 QB Mike Tomczak broke his tibia in the preseason and
will be lost for the year. Top of page |
| Running backs |
Grade C |
| By signing Stewart, the Lions filled a major gap in last
year’s offense. Stewart might be nothing fancy, but he’ll get tough yards, run
hard and be good in the red zone. Heaven forbid he gets hurt. Sedrick Irvin is a
third-down back, and rookie Reuben Droughns has to get over a shoulder separation before
he plays again. FB Cory Schlesinger is a blocker and a banger. Top of page |
| Receivers |
Grade B+ |
| The Lions have three of the best — Herman Moore, Johnnie
Morton and Germane Crowell — assuming Ross uses all three and doesn’t forget
about Moore. Look for a lot of three-WR sets this season. TEs David Sloan and Pete
Chryplewicz are above-average receivers but less than 100 percent physically, so the Lions
signed Alfred Pupunu. Top
of page |
| Offensive linemen |
Grade C |
| In theory, the Lions upgraded tremendously with rookie
Stockar McDougle at left guard and virtual rookie Aaron Gibson, back from last year’s
shoulder surgery, at right tackle. However, McDougle may miss 4-6 weeks with a knee
injury. The unit’s run blocking should be better, but it will be up to veteran ORG
Jeff Hartings, OLT Ray Roberts and C Mike Compton to hold it together in pass protection.
The line’s depth is better with C Eric Beverly, OGs Tony Semple and Kerlin Blaise and
OT Barrett Brooks. Top of
page |
| Defensive linemen |
Grade A- |
| Now that DE Robert Porcher has re-signed, this is probably
the deepest and strongest position on the team. Porcher and Tracy Scroggins make a potent
1-2 punch at end, and Pro Bowler Luther Elliss and James Jones are rock solid at tackle.
Youngsters Jared DeVries and Mike Pringley are coming on strong at end. DeVries is also
effective playing inside in nickel situations. DTs Kelvin Pritchett and Travis Kirschke
have starting experience. Top
of page |
| Linebackers |
Grade B- |
| The Lions have three very solid starters in Pro Bowl MLB
Stephen Boyd, weak-side LB Chris Claiborne and strong-side LB Allen Aldridge, who is also
an effective pass rusher. Clint Kriewaldt and rookie Barrett Green give the unit cover
ability and speed, both of which were missing a year ago. Kevin O’Neill, Scott
Kowalkowski and Richard Jordan provide average depth. Top of page |
| Defensive backs |
Grade C+ |
| A nightmare finish in ’99 has Ross a little edgy over
his secondary, mostly because of injuries. LCB Bryant Westbrook, coming off a
penalty-laden season in which he suffered two hamstring injuries, is primed for a
comeback. However, RCB Terry Fair has been slow rebounding from late-April knee surgery,
and CB Kevin Abrams is slow returning from foot surgery. The safeties — SS Ron Rice
and FS Kurt Schulz — are solid. CBs Lamar Campbell and Marquis Walker don’t
provide great depth, but they should be adequate. Top of page |
| Special teams |
Grade B+ |
| If the Lions ever had a truly successful season, PK Jason
Hanson might get the recognition he deserves as one of the strongest and most accurate
kickers in the NFL. P John Jett is consistent and places the ball inside the 20-yard line
well. Desmond Howard could solve two big problems if he can return punts and kickoffs as
well as he did a few years ago for Green Bay. Top of page |
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