NFC North Know-It-All: Detroit Lions Training Camp Preview

June 11, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) during mini camp at Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

It’s finally here. Training camp time. Now Bears fans, you should know it’s important to focus on the NFC North as a whole rather than just zeroing-in on the Bears. Here’s a preview at the Detroit Lions training camp. The Lions were pretty busy in the offseason, so it’s pretty important to watch how all the different pieces are going to fall into place.

Who’s in?

The Lions landed probably the biggest free agent this offseason…Reggie Bush. Just the thing a Bears fan wants to be reminded of, sorry.

The former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije jumped ship to the dark side, giving the Lions line maybe just a little more of an advantage with Idonije’s knowledge of the Bears.

With the Lions first round selection, they chose defensive end Ezekiel Ansah out of BYU.

To try and continue to improve their secondary, the Lions selected cornerback Darius Slay out of Mississippi State.

The Lions added former Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Jason Jones to replace Cliff Avril. Apparently head coach Jim Schwartz said that Avril didn’t fit the system with Suh and Fairley as much as he thinks Jones will.

Former Houston Texans safety Glover Quin also signed on to play in Detroit. Quin has started every game for the Texans for the past three seasons. Schwartz thinks the arrival of Quin will help get Louis Delmas out of his slump.

Who’s out?

Troublemaker Titus Young was released from the team after two offseason arrests.

The Lions let defensive end Cliff Avril walk, which he walked his way to Seattle to join forces with Pete Carroll and his ferocious defense.

Kyle Vanden Bosch became too old and not as successful for the Detroit Lions so they cut him.

Jahvid Best, the Lions 2010 first-round draft pick, was released from the Lions last week to make room for the new and improved running back scheme.

2012 Rewind

After starting the regular season 4-4, the Detroit Lions lost eight start to finish their season 4-12 missing the playoffs. Even though the Lions season was a disaster, wide receiver Calvin Johnson managed to break Jerry Rice’s regular season receiving yards with 1,892 on the season.

Key Questions to be answered in Training Camp

With Titus Young gone, who will step up to be Matthew Stafford’s number two wide receiver?

How successful will Jason Jones and Ezekiel Ansah be at defensive line?

How will the running back scheme with Mikel Leshoure and Reggie Bush work out?

Will the additions of Darius Slay and Glover Quin make an impact on the secondary?