The Detroit Lions took a step back last season after making the playoffs in 2011 and now that the team has made some new additions in the offseason, head coach Jim Schwartz is ready to take things to the next level on offense and that could mean big numbers for Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush, the likely top players for the Lions.
Stafford put up massive numbers two years ago and while he was still very solid in 2012, it wasn't anything compared to his previous season. Stafford passed for 41 touchdowns and over 5,000 yards in 2011 and while he had 4,967 last season, he dipped to just 20 scores and had 17 interceptions and now he will have to find a way to be better and more accurate, as he completed less than 60 percent of his passes after going for over 63 percent in 2011. Having Calvin Johnson obviously helps, but it should be the addition of Bush that puts the team over the top.
Bush and Johnson should be considered top picks in most leagues and especially in PPR leagues. Last season Johnson had a beast year even with Stafford struggling, making 122 catches for 1,964 yards and five scores and there is no doubt that his TD numbers will go up. Two years ago Johnson showed why he is the best wideout in the league, making 96 catches for a staggering 16 touchdowns and he also added over 1,600 yards receiving and he now has been over 1,100 yards three seasons in a row.
If Brandon Pettigrew and Nate Burelson step up, Johnson could be even better and adding Bush to the mix should open him up too, as the Lions love passing the ball out of the backfield. The team has dealt with injuries to running backs over the past few years and Bush is healthy at 28 after not being a workhorse in his young career with the Saints. Bush is fantastic out of the backfield and should put up huge numbers in Detroit.
Bush will be the main rushing threat and he has shown in his career he can be a productive receiver, making 88 catches as a rookie and going for over 40 catches in five of his seven seasons and he also has hit at least 50 three times. Bush nearly rushed for over 1,000 yards the past two seasons and he will give the Lions a new dimension on offense.