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To get ready for the 2013 season, Pride Of Detroit's writers weighed in with predictions on a variety of topics. You can make your own predictions by voting in the poll at the end of this post, and you can see what our writers had to say below.
Next up: Who will the Detroit Lions' offensive MVP be in 2013?
Brian Packey: Calvin Johnson
It'll be the 10-plus touchdowns and/or just how obvious it is how much this team needs Megatron on the field that makes him the Lions' MVP.
Christopher Tomke: Calvin Johnson
I don’t expect him to break 2,000 yards this season, despite his expectations, but the leader of the Decepticons will continue doing things like this, and should get at least partial credit for all the yards Reggie Bush is going to accumulate catching passes underneath.
Eric Shinabarger: Calvin Johnson
It’s too easy. Anyone doubting Megatron’s importance to this offense just has to re-watch the first-team offense this preseason. Without Calvin to draw defenders, none of the other receivers could get open and Matthew Stafford looked lost. Only Reggie Bush’s ability in the open field allowed the first team to move the ball with any success. I like the coaches’ decision to sit Calvin in the preseason to get a look at the rest of the offense, but I can’t wait for him to suit up again in Week 1.
Nick Catoni: Brandon Pettigrew
I’m struggling to believe my own words, but I think that this is the year Brandon Pettigrew figures it all out. No more easy drops and messy fumbles. Brandon’s going to stand out as Matthew Stafford’s second-best option, and his performance will end up being crucial to the offense’s success. I see him coming close to breaking 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns on the season.
Sean Yuille: Calvin Johnson
This is by far the easiest prediction to make. Matthew Stafford needs to play like the Lions' most valuable player, but I fully expect Calvin Johnson to be the actual MVP again.
Jeremy Reisman: Calvin Johnson
He's undeniably one of the best players in the NFL, and the offense is lost without him, as we saw in the preseason. Matthew Stafford may be a bigger key to the Lions' overall success, but he also still has questions to answer about his game. Johnson is as close to perfection as you get.