The Detroit Lions open for organized team activities in a season that is considered a make it or break it year. The Lions finished 2012 in disappointing fashion and if they follow up 2013 in the same style, big changes could be coming. While the team has made significant strides to become better since going winless in 2008, they have yet to be the championship contenders that their roster indicates. If the Lions do not greatly improve off a 4-12 season, head coach Jim Schwartz will likely be the first to go.
Detroit has a winning roster this season. There are no excuses. On paper, an NFC North title should be a walk in the part. After losing Cliff Avril to free agency, the Lions signed free agent running back Reggie Bush and defensive end Jason Jones. They filled in the minor holes and built a team that should go far. If they do not, Schwartz will have a hard time justifying a return.
The head coach is 22-42 in his time with Detroit. A serious of incidents involving both he and players already have him on thin ice with the front office. There was the handshake incident with 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh that is still brought up all the time. Then there are all of the off-the-field issues with players. Multiple suspensions and arrests have plagued the Lions during the Schwartz years. His ability to control his players and execute discipline has been put into question.
With Matthew Stafford at quarterback and Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush as the two biggest offensive weapons, the Lions should have no issues with scoring points. Johnson set a single-season receiving record in 2012 while Stafford came close to breaking the 5,000 passing yard mark. Over the past two seasons, Bush has amassed 2,660 yards from scrimmage while also averaging 39 receptions. These three are expected to push the offense to another level, something players are expecting.
On the defensive side, Nick Fairley has already promised a Super Bowl victory. That would allow Schwartz to keep his job, no question. With Ndamukong Suh and Fairley both a full strength, the Lions' defensive line should be able to stop just about anyone.
At the end of the season, the win-loss record falls on the head coach. If the Lions cannot put together a strong run into the postseason, Schwartz will likely be the first one out in 2014.
