Shaun Francis
In 1999 Believe by Cher was the number one song, the Y2K bug swept the nation, and the United States opened the impeachment trial of President Clinton. That was also the last time the Detroit Lions made it to the postseason. No matter how you look at it, the Lions are 4-0, and relevant for the first time in 31 years. The Lions are one of two undefeated teams in the NFL, largely because of Mathew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Ndamukong Suh and of course, Jim Schwartz. The Lions fans haven’t had much to cheer about in the past; however, in the first 4 games of the season they are jumping for joy. After beating 4 playoff teams, Jim Schwartz has the entire league commenting on the Lions’ never say never attitude.
How does he take a team with a 0-16 season and turn it into one of the NFL’s elite? Coach Schwartz has brought aggressiveness, power, and unpredictable blitzes to a defense that has opposing quarterbacks, running backs and receivers wanting to stay at home. His ability to create mismatches on offense with 2 tight ends, talented receivers, and a speedy backfield has Calvin Johnson (Megatron) leading the league in touchdowns. Schwartz has Mathew Stafford throwing Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Phillip Rivers’ numbers. Schwartz believes in utilizing players’ talents and skills, and he’s done that with this young Lions team.
The Lions week five matchup with the Chicago Bears is sure to be another win. The Bears are ranked 31st in total defense, 29th against the pass, and their quarterback, Jay Cutler, has been sacked 15 times this season. With a dominating defensive line, a superstar receiver, and a coach like Jim Schwartz, it is highly unlikely the Lions will go 4-1 this weekend.
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