As the preseason winds down and the regular season approaches, the positive reviews and optimistic predictions for the Lions this season continue to grow. The latest I found was on Walterfootball.com. They have an update of their 2011 draft [ LINK: http://walterfootball.com/draft2011.php ] and have the Lions taking Defensive End [yeah I know] Greg Romeus of Pitt at #15. Yes, in the middle of the pack, not top five.

I know, I know all those guys don't know shit, its just the preseason, they haven't proved anything yet, blah, blah, blah....but from all the comments that I have read and heard I noted the following common threads:

1. Martin Mayhew is being recognized as one of the better GMs in the NFL.

2. Jim Schwartz is in sync with Mayhew and they seem to have a plan for how they are developing the Detroit talent base, from player acquisition to development on the field.

3. Matt Stafford is being expected to make a big jump forward this year and seems to be recognized, despite a pretty ugly first year, as an up and coming star QB.

As a lot of PODers have said and voted, the bottom line in the NFL is wins and losses. I am not sure that 2010 will show the huge improvement some of the most optimistic predictions [NINE WINS!] are indicating but the potential is there. On a personal level, I have not been this optimistic about the Lions since Barry left and I am really looking forward to this season, and beyond.

So, bring on the negativity, I'm not going to be fazed by it. I will stay focused on the long term development of our Lions into a bona fide contender.