Detroit Lions: Improvements Needed for 2009

This is usually the time as a Detroit Lions fan that I find myself being overly optimistic and maybe a bit delusional.  Typically, I make some sort of prediction like, "We’re going to the playoffs this year." However, after last year, my hopes and goals for this team have changed. I have tempered my expectations. This does not mean that I don’t want to see a few things happen this year.  Here is a list of things I believe need to happen in order to consider this year a success, wins and losses aside:   Improved O-Line play The Lions O-Line has been one of the worst units over the last seven years. They have been unable to protect the quarterback, and have been just awful at controlling the line of scrimmage. I mean seriously how many times have we watched them go for a third-and-one or fourth-and-one, and come up short? This year they need to be better, I don’t expect them to become dominate, just better.   Effective Running Game This ...