Following up on ESPN's All-NFC North team, the site put together a list of the bests and worsts of the division for the 2011 season. Among the categories were the best head coach, best assistant, best executive, best rookie and biggest mistake. Three of those categories had somebody from the Detroit Lions, and thankfully they were three of the "best" categories.
The one category where a Lions player was chosen was best rookie. ESPN went with wide receiver Titus Young, who put together an outstanding rookie campaign despite being injured for most of training camp. He bounced back quickly during the regular season and finished with 48 catches, 607 yards and six touchdowns.
In addition to one player, the Lions also had one coach who was selected -- Scott Linehan as the best assistant. He received quite a bit of criticism at times during the season, but overall he did a lot of great things with the offense. Obviously it helps that he has Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson to work with, but having talent doesn't always mean you will be successful.
Finally, Martin Mayhew was chosen as the best executive. He is the man behind this turnaround, and he was selected over Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson for this honor.