Sunday open thread: What’s your confidence level heading into training camp?

We have under a week to go now before the Detroit Lions start their first training camp practice in Allen Park. Last year was a mixed bag during Matt Patricia’s first year as a head coach. There were some serious ups and downs, but ultimately, we saw the defense improve greatly throughout the season. The offense was very problematic, but now Patricia has brought in his guy to take over as offensive coordinator, and there are no more excuses for why this team shouldn’t be in the thick of a playoff race.

The hope and optimism is starting to set in as Patricia enters his second season as head coach, and the roster is coming together nicely with playmakers on both sides of the ball. Training camp starts on Thursday, July 25th and is open to the public.

What is your confidence level in the Detroit Lions heading into training camp?

My answer: I’m pretty optimistic when it comes to this team right now, and I’d put myself at about a 4 out of a 5. I don’t think that this team is quite there yet in terms of contending for a Super Bowl, but I don’t see why this team shouldn’t be able to squeak out a 9-7 or 10-6 record and make the playoffs, possibly contending for a division title.

It’s certainly going to be tough to win the division this year as I believe the NFC North is one of the most packed divisions in the NFL currently. I also feel that the Lions may have had the best offseason compared to the rest of the division, and there is no better time than now to take control of the North.

I’m still very worried about our offense and believe that there will be some growing pains early and often, but the defense should be a top-10 or better unit in the NFL and I’m hopeful that a healthy Stafford will show up and prove a lot of people wrong.