National Football League

Lions capsule

Published Aug. 24, 2014 11:03 a.m. ET

foxsports

DETROIT LIONS (7-9)

New faces: Coach Jim Caldwell, WR Golden Tate, S James Ihedigbo, CB Cassius Vaughn, rookie TE Eric Ebron.

Key Losses: S Louis Delmas, WR Nate Burleson, CB Chris Houston, DE Willie Young, K David Akers.

Strengths: WR, OL, DL.

Weaknesses: DB, K.

What's New: Lions hired Caldwell hoping he can guide talented roster to playoffs after Detroit collapsed down stretch under Jim Schwartz. After losing Delmas and Houston, secondary is potential trouble spot. Detroit drafted K Nate Freese in seventh round, and he's been competing with Giorgio Tavecchio during preseason.

Expectations: Matthew Stafford still has room to grow as passer, and with Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush, offense could be terrific if Lions can avoid careless mistakes. Ndamukong Suh anchors defensive line, but he's in final year of contract, so pressure will be on team to take big step forward in 2014.

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL