Detroit Lions; Hope Restored, Ticket Sales Rising, Next Comes Wins

The Detroit Lions have had a loyal fan base considering their recent performance. The New Jersey Nets of the NBA have had just one terrible season, and they can't even fill the lower bowl sections of the Izod center. The Lions have rid themselves of the terrible Matt Millen, and now have Martin Mayhew at GM who will soon be the most popular sports related hero in Detroit behind Mike Ilitch, and Ernie Harwell. The Lions have spent money on free agents, lowered ticket prices, made well thought trades, and have had a decent draft under this regime with another potentially beneficial draft in the waiting. Through these actions the Lions have created hope, which sells tickets.

The next month will be one of the most important months in the history of the Lions franchise, well at least the last 50 years of it. The Lions can continue to fill in major holes which were partially adressed through the start of the free agent period. The drafting of Ndamukong Suh would be the first major piece, followed by a trade or draft pick to solidify the offensive line and protect Matthew Stafford. Other needed pieces include and explosive running back and a possibly two starting cornerbacks. The cornerback position has been addressed with the addition of Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade who will contend for substaintial roles on the team and possibly a starting position, but more help is needed.

The most important factor for the Lions gaining ticket sales is hope. Matthew Stafford gave Lions fans hope in a heroic performance against the Browns. Martin Mayhew gave fans hope through trades for Corey Williams and Chris Houston. Jim Swartz gave fans hope by convincing Kyle Vanden Bosch to come play for Detroit. Hope sells tickets, but it won't produce wins, only production will affect the win-loss record.

Ways to keep the hope coming?: Draft Suh, protect Stafford