After years of futility, the Detroit Lions appeared to be on the right track in 2011. Expectations were high heading into 2012, coming off the team’s first playoff appearance since 1999. But right out of the gate things started going wrong.

Calvin Johnson broke Jerry Rice’s single-season receiving yardage record in week 15, but that was really one of the only things that went right for Detroit all season long. The Jim Schwartz-led team fell back to 4-12 and into last place in the NFC North.

So, will the real Detroit Lions please stand up? It’s hard to say whether the Lions of 2013 will more closely resemble the 2011 or 2012 version.  Zac Snyder, editor of the SideLion Report, knows there’s a lot the team must do before it can expect to be competitive in 2013 and beyond, as well. He joined Zoneblitz to share some thoughts.

Zoneblitz: What happened to drop the Lions from the playoffs to 4-12?

Snyder: I think it was a little bit of everything – not being as good as they appeared in 2011, being too conservative with retaining their own guys between seasons and then putting together a season in which they underachieved compared to their talent level.

Zoneblitz: Are there a couple of players who had down years in 2012 that could rebound in 2013?

Snyder: As far as individual players who will definitely be back next season I would say Matthew Stafford and Mikel Leshoure. Stafford’s completion percentage and touchdowns were down but his 2011 season showed what he is capable of. Leshoure was getting his feet wet in the NFL while also coming back from an Achilles injury, so he figures to take a big step forward next year.

Zoneblitz: With Titus Young playing, talking and tweeting his way out of town, how do the Lions fill the complementary receiver roles in 2013?

Snyder: They are set in the slot with Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles, although each is working his way back from injury. The issue is filling the outside receiver slot opposite Calvin Johnson. That was supposed to be Titus Young but the Lions are once again facing the possibility of drafting a wide receiver.

Zoneblitz: I feel the need to ask a Calvin Johnson question. There is nothing to ask about his role on this team. Based on watching his development over the past couple of years, in the overall history of the NFL, how good can Megatron end up being?

Snyder: Matching Jerry Rice from an overall production and championship standpoint will be difficult. I do think Calvin can go down as the model for the “perfect receiver” based on his combination of size, speed, production and attitude.

Zoneblitz: There seemed to be some mixed feelings on Mikel Leshoure in 2012. What did you think of his first year at running back and how do you see that spot being filled in 2013?

Snyder: The first word that comes to mind is frustrating. Leshoure left big chunks of yards on the field due to poor vision. I like to think that was due to his transition to the NFL game coupled with his return from injury but time will tell. I think he will take a big step forward next season, hopefully it is a big enough step where the Lions can feel comfortable with him going forward.

Zoneblitz: With several players, including Kyle Vanden Bosch, already shown the door for salary cap reasons, how does a defense that is coming off a rough season get better for next year?

Snyder: Vanden Bosch was shown the door for salary cap reason but also performance reasons. Pro Football Focus rated him the worst 4-3 defensive end in football and it wasn’t really close. KVB has provided solid leadership but his days of contributing to an NFL defense are over and it was painfully obvious. I would like to see the Lions make defensive ends a priority in the draft and then it will be all about guys who get a chance stepping up to take advantage of the opportunity.

Zoneblitz: Similar question for the offense – the line was already somewhat of a problem and Stephen Peterman was subtracted. How does this unit improve?

Snyder: Peterman is another player whose pay was not commensurate with his performance and a spot where the Lions can get younger, cheaper and probably better by giving one of their younger guys a shot. Riley Reiff is no longer a rookie and can be expected to contribute in a bigger way but the turnover may be even higher than just Peterman if Jeff Backus retires and Gosder Cherilus leaves via free agency.

Zoneblitz: Detroit has added Brian Xanders as a senior personnel executive. What role does he fill and what does this mean for GM Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Schwartz?

Snyder: He has been charged with bringing the Lions’ scouting efforts in-house like a little over the NFL has done over the last 15-20 years. What it means for Mayhew and Schwartz is still cloudy, mostly because no one knows if hiring Xanders was Mayhew’s idea or if it was a decision made above him. If it was made above Mayhew’s head, he likely has reason to be watching over his shoulder.

Zoneblitz: Can this team compete in 2013?

Snyder: The short answer is yes because of Stafford and Johnson, but there is a lot that still needs to be determined before anyone can say what level they can compete at in 2013. There is a big difference between challenging for the NFC North title and simply remaining relevant through the season.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Lions do in the draft and in free agency?

Snyder: The still have enough holes where it is all about loading up on talent all over the field.

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