Aaron Rodgers was hurt, the Chicago Bears were hemorrhaging, the Vikings were a mess and Detroit was in first place in-depthin the NFC North at 6-3 with seven games left in the 2013 season. Then the wheels fell off. A team that looked like it had the chance to make a decent run in the playoffs lost six of seven to close the season, losing out on the division title and the post-season, and costing Jim Schwartz his job.

So what happened? And how can a team that has stockpiled as much talent as the Lions have finally break through and take the next step? Zac Snyder, editor of SideLion Report, shares his thoughts on where Detroit stands and where the team can go from here.

Zoneblitz:  About midway through 2013 Detroit looked like it had the inside track on the NFC North. Then the Lions collapsed. What happened and how would you assess the season?

Snyder: Given the position the Lions were in at the midway point and the injuries the Bears and Packers had to deal with, the Lions’ 2013 season can’t be labeled anything but a failure. Everything was set up for them to win the division but they couldn’t kick the turnover bug and gave away too many games.

Zoneblitz:  What did you think about the decision to fire Jim Schwartz?

Snyder: It had to be done considering the way the season ended and the disappointing 2012 season that preceded it. The Jim Schwartz era had run its course and it was time to move on.

Zoneblitz:  What about the decision to keep Martin Mayhew?

Snyder: The reason expectations were so high for the Lions was because the team has talent. Mayhew’s job is to put talent on the field and it is the coaching staff’s job to see that the talent lives up to expectations. The talent was there.

Zoneblitz:  What do you think of the hiring of Jim Caldwell as his replacement?

Snyder: I’m kind of lukewarm to it but certainly willing to give him a chance. The experience he has working with Peyton Manning is a fine credential and that fact he was Tony Dungy’s hand-picked successor says a lot.

Zoneblitz:  What are your thoughts on the development of Matthew Stafford as the franchise QB and what does he have to do to reach the next level?

Snyder: There is a certain part of him that will always be a little gunslinger, he just has to unleash that part of his game only when necessary while cleaning up some of his mechanical issues to make sure the routine is done routinely. He can make some incredibly difficult throws, which makes the easy throws that get away all the more frustrating.

Zoneblitz:  Calvin Johnson is incredible and Reggie Bush seemed to fit well. Outside of those two, do the Lions have the necessary skill position players to supplement the offense?

Snyder: With Joique Bell re-signing they are set in the backfield. Signing Golden Tate helps at wide receiver but they will still draft one. Tight end is kind of up in the air at the moment but that isn’t a huge worry.

Zoneblitz: What do you think of the Golden Tate signing?

Snyder: I like it. He fills a positional need and does so with one of the lowest drop rates since coming in the league four years ago. Say what you want about Stafford’s accuracy but he’s also been saddled with a receiving corps with a high drop rate.

Zoneblitz:  The defense was middle-of-the-league in 2013. Where are the Lions solid and where do they need to improve on that side of the ball?

Snyder: The Lions became a good defense against the run last year and need that to continue. They will need some of their young corners to develop and need a bounce-back year from Chris Houston. They will also need to help out the defensive backs with a more consistent pass rush but the development of young players like Ziggy Ansah and Devin Taylor should help.

Zoneblitz:  How far are the Lions from being a solid playoff contender?

Snyder: If we’re talking about contending for a playoff spot year in and year out, they should be there right now. Schwartz didn’t live up to that so we’ll see if Caldwell can. I expect the Lions to push to the playoffs in 2014 with the hope that they can contend for a spot in the Super Bowl in 2-3 years.

Follow Zac Snyder on Twitter at: @ZacSnyder
Follow SideLion Report on Twitter at: @SideLionReport
Follow Zoneblitz.com on Twitter at: @ZoneblitzCom

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