{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats labeled as appropriate.}
Year II was better than year I, but still a struggle for Amsterdam who, despite dancing on the edge of a playoff spot, ended the year mid-table.
This lead to a major overhaul on the offensive side, with the game-management style of Cam Newton being thrown out the window in favor of a wide open, gun-slinging style led by Otto Graham‘s joining from Rio de Janeiro. If all goes well, this means less pressure on Barry Sanders, while maintaining the core of the league’s best defense.
Key Additions: Otto Graham from RIO; Clay Matthews from RIO; Brad Van Pelt from NYG; Hollywood Henderson from LON.
Key Departures: Cam Newton {9, to NYG}; Larry Warford {5, to CTO}; Josh Norman {5}
Rookies To Watch: Lou Creekmur, Ox Emerson, DeAngelo Williams
QB
Total turnover here, as Graham {8} comes over from RIO and takes over as the starter, with Andrew Luck {5} coming in as the backup. Graham performed will for the Carnival, and Lions fans are looking forward to what he can do with the revamped receiving corps.
RB / WR / TE
Once again, Sanders {6} was good, but not great, but still good enough to retain his starting role. With the departure of Billy Sims to Berlin, rookie DeAngelo Williams comes in as his primary backup, with Mike Tolbert returning again as the blocking back.
The real change here is at WR where, if healthy, Graham has a lot of weapons. The Lions are looking for a full season from Calvin Johnson {4 in 7 G}, and Year II draftee Herman Moore {2} looks like the real deal, with Steve Smith {1} continuing to be a solid 3rd choice. Add in Greg Olson {2} at TE and the promising Aaron Thomas from NYG and the passing game should be much improved.
OL
There’s a lot of change here, with veterans C Ryan Kalil {4}, G Trai Turner {3}, and T Lomas Brown {6} being joined by rookie G Ox Emerson and T Lou Creekmur as the starting 5. Jimbo Covert, {3} now with Sydney, will be missed. Turner and the 2 rookies are a risk, and Graham’s success will clearly depend on how well this group performs.
DL
Amsterdam goes into Year III favoring a 3-4, which keeps Mike Rucker {18} and Julius Peppers {17} on the outside, but favors Alex Karras {13} over Ndamukong Suh {12} in the middle. They certainly could slide Suh into a 4-3 at times as well.
LB
Here is the real area of risk for Amsterdam. Luke Kuechly {16} and Joe Schmidt {11} should anchor the middle, but the OLB slots are wide open, with Hollywood Henderson {4}, Clay Matthews {3}, Brad Van Pelt {2}, and longtime Lion Paul Naumoff {7} all in contention for starting jobs at the start of camp. As expected, Naumoff retained one starting slot, with Matthews taking the other.
DB
The starters are unchanged, with Night Train Lane {6} and Jack Christiansen {12} returning at CB, and Yale Lary {3} and Roman Harper {8} at S. Look for Harper to be challenged for playing time by Johnny Robinson {8}, another refugee from RIO.
ST
P Sam Martin {1} and K Eddie Murray {1} return as the kickers, while Stefan Logan {a surprise retention at -2} and Smith should hold down the return game.
