Could things be much worse for the Detroit Lions? After a win less 2008 season that saw the team finish 0-16 (for the first time ever), the Lions came into the 2009 season with high hopes, ready to put that disaster of a year behind them.

Armed with some new players, a standout rookie quarterback, and a boosted morale, this team was ready to win some games in 2009.

The Lions were dealt a tough opponent in week 1, and had to visit the New Orleans Saints, one of the best offensive teams in football, if not the best. While they were by no means expected to win this game, they put in an impressive effort (for the Lions, that is), scoring 27 points in the process. At least their offense looked good, right?

Entering week 2, the Lions found themselves at home in Detroit, against division favorites (and last year’s NFC North winners), the Minnesota Vikings. This, too, was a game they were expected to lose, but a team that goes 0-16 the prior year should be expected to lose just about every game it plays.

The Lions jumped out to a nice start, and even led the game 10-7 at halftime. It really looked like the team had a shot to win this game, and this may have very well been the end of a dreadful losing streak! Could it really be?

It really is unfair to throw a QB into such a disaster of a team, but it happens — QB Troy Aikman started for the 1-15 Dallas Cowboys in 1989, the Cowboys won the Super Bowl 3 seasons later.

With Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson, the Lions have a nucleus in place to start a respectable franchise instead the butt of jokes for once. The Lions finally won a game after a 19-game losing streak defeating the Washington Redskins in week 3. The previous win came in 07′ in week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Detroit Lions should do much better in 09′ then in 08′. Matthew Stafford has a high skill set and was drafted number 1 for a reason — while he might not be the “savior” to lead the franchise to the promise land, he is the cornerstone of the Lions now.

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