Lions GM: 'We have high expectations'
It has been a long time, but there's a feeling of hope around the Detroit Lions practice facility these days.
And it isn't just coming from fans.
''We have high expectations for this year,'' Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said in a rare media briefing Friday. ''We feel like we can compete for our division.''
Considering the Lions haven't had a winning season since 2000, that's a bold statement about a division that includes defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay and Chicago.
Mayhew, though, believes the team turned a corner with four straight wins to end last season, and improved in the draft and free agency.
''My first year in 2009, we had a scattershot approach to free agency, because we had so many holes that we were just looking for any veteran who could come in and compete,'' he said. ''Last year, we had made enough progress that we were able to get a little more specific.
''This season, especially after what we did in the draft, we were focused on improving our linebackers and our secondary, and I think we did that.''
With the CBA ratified late Thursday afternoon, fans finally got their first looks at three players expected to fill those holes - cornerback Eric Wright and linebackers Steven Tulloch and Justin Durant.
''The Lions are building something, and players know that,'' Wright said about choosing the Lions in free agency. ''This is a good team, and I wanted to be part of it.''
Lions coach Jim Schwartz was just as happy with Wright's decision.
''He's a good, veteran player that can step right on the field and help us,'' Schwartz said. ''That's what we've done - we've added more quality football players, and that makes us a better team.''
But Schwartz wasn't ready to discuss how the Lions stack up against the Packers, Bears and Minnesota Vikings.
''You do pay a little attention to what the other teams in your division are doing, but mainly you want to build your own strengths and let other teams worry about that,'' he said. ''We're going to take care of ourselves and see where that gets us.''
Perhaps the win column?
''We've talked a lot about winning over the years,'' Mayhew said. ''Now it is time to start actually winning.''
NOTES: S Louis Delmas and DT Andre Fluellen both missed Friday's practice. Delmas had minor surgery to remove a pin from his hand and will sit out a few days to let the wound heal; Fluellen broke his right hand Thursday. Schwartz said he wasn't sure how much time Fluellen would miss. ... Mike Utley, who was paralyzed from the chest down while playing for the Lions, paid his annual visit to training camp. Utley's injury took place 20 years ago - Nov. 17, 1991.
-
2024 NFL predictions: An early look at division winners
If Dak Prescott leaves Cowboys, who are his best suitors in 2025?
The Wizarding World of Howie Roseman: How his Eagles keep getting richer
-
Will the Steelers use QB Justin Fields as returner this season?
J.J. McCarthy finds his ideal home and Joel Klatt's top takeaways from NFL Draft
2024 NFL Power Rankings: A post-draft look at where every team stands
-
Ezekiel Elliott believes he can still be primary running back in return to Cowboys
2024 NFL Schedule Release: Date, when does the season start?
How the Colts have set up QB Anthony Richardson for a big bounce-back year
-
2024 NFL predictions: An early look at division winners
If Dak Prescott leaves Cowboys, who are his best suitors in 2025?
The Wizarding World of Howie Roseman: How his Eagles keep getting richer
-
Will the Steelers use QB Justin Fields as returner this season?
J.J. McCarthy finds his ideal home and Joel Klatt's top takeaways from NFL Draft
2024 NFL Power Rankings: A post-draft look at where every team stands
-
Ezekiel Elliott believes he can still be primary running back in return to Cowboys
2024 NFL Schedule Release: Date, when does the season start?
How the Colts have set up QB Anthony Richardson for a big bounce-back year