Offensive Coordinator: Joe Lombardi **
Lombardi has worked with the New Orleans Saints, and specifically with Drew Brees, but make no mistake: he is with the Lions to help Stafford, especially with the running game. He has made it clear that he wants to gain yards by controlling the clock and taking pressure off his passer, while also taking advantage of double coverage on Calvin Johnson.
Offensive Star: Calvin Johnson
Megatron is the type of receiver who completely monopolizes the attack. Whenever there is any doubt, throw the ball in the vicinity of Johnson and he will turn it into gained yards.
Quarterbacks ****
If Stafford used the power of his arm properly, we would be witnessing one of the QBs that could offer the most spectacle on a football field. The problem is that his head is not in sync with his talent. Every Sunday, we are spectators of an exciting play from him, but it is more frequent to see a colossal mistake at the least opportune moment. His obsession with throwing to Johnson dissipated last year when the WR was injured. Those were his best moments as a cerebral QB, not an emotional one. He is surrounded by talent on offense once again, so apart from personal records, he must start getting victories for his team. Behind him, the franchise has Moore and Orlovsky. In other words, a Stafford injury can be very dangerous.
Offensive Line ***
The Lions did well in the draft to reinforce an OL that had problems. The arrival of Ramirez brings experience and a thousand battles. He can move between RG and C until rookie Tomlinson learns enough to be the starting RG, leaving Ramirez at the center position, and thus removing Swanson from the team to reassure Stafford. Reiff is a sober LT, nothing spectacular but capable of doing a very efficient job covering his QB's blind side. On the right side, they have the best man on the line. Warford is playing at a fairly high level. Next to him, and as RT, Waddle is at the same level as his teammate, and his injury was decisive last season. Lucas' appearance on the field was a burden on the team's interests. The right side is good in pass protection, but needs to improve in opening holes for the running game. That is something the entire OL needs to improve upon.
Running Backs ***
The RB unit has suffered the loss of an important player in the attack like Bush. However, the Lions have acquired what could be one of the surprises of this year in the NFL. Abdullah is a runner who can provide that versatile game. He has talent and good hands to even play from the slot. On the ground, he will adapt to any type of blocking. Bell will be his partner in dance for now, although Riddick can snatch the opportunity at any moment.
Receivers *****
When you have someone like Calvin Johnson on your team, the entire offense revolves around him. In every Lions game, we see double and triple coverage, as there is no other way to stop him. Playing man-to-man against him is suicide. His physique allows him to reach the highest point of attack on the ball in receptions, and that is a problem for the DBs trying to stop him. In the middle zones, his physique and hands also make him decisive, as well as his ability to change direction in tight spaces. He is the main weapon, but not the only one. Tate had an exceptional year in 2014 and was able to carry the team on his shoulders when CJ21 was out due to injury. Dangerous on deep routes, and a player who performs very well on medium routes. Fuller showed good qualities in his two years in the league, so the competition with veteran Moore and TJ Jones will be beneficial for the team in that WR3 position.
Tight Ends *****
Although more was expected from this unit in 2014, the danger that the Lions TEs possess is evident. If Pettigrew and Fauria were a pair to be reckoned with, the arrival of Ebron last year made them even more dangerous. They didn't fit the pieces together well, and that is something that should improve in 2015. The talent that each member of this group has is exceptional, and they should be more frequent targets for the QB. Eric Ebron must start to unleash his talent right away.