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Detroit Lions: 2014 First Quarter Report Card

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By @shalhoutf

Detroit Lions: 2014 First Quarter Report Card

Detroit Lions
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The Detroit Lions are 3-1 and are in sole possession of first place in the NFC North. What grade would you give the team so far? Here, we'll grade each phase of the Lions (offense, defense, special teams, coaching, draft picks) -- check it out.

Draft Picks

Eric Ebron
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Grade: D

Eric Ebron
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TE Eric Ebron wasn't a factor through the first three weeks until he scored his first touchdown against the Jets. Larry Webster, Travis Swanson and T.J. Jones have not contributed much, while Caraun Ried has been decent. Nevin Lawson has not played since Week 1 and Kyle Van Noy has not played at all due to injury. Kicker Nate Freese was released after Week 3 due to four missed field goals and, in all honesty, drags the overall grade down.

Special Teams

Jeremy Ross
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Grade: D

Jeremy Ross
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Kick/punt returner Jeremy Ross hasn't had significant returns this season, but Detroit's special teams haven't really given up any long returns either. The thing that really hurts the Lions' grade is their situation at kicker. They released Nate Freese after Week 3 due to him missing four field goals, then signed Alex Henery in which he made one of two FGs last week. Detroit has confidence in Henery, but it remains to be seen how well he'll do.

Offense

STAFFORD
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Grade: B-

STAFFORD
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Matthew Stafford and the Lions' offense have had two strong performances and two sub-par ones. All in all, they haven't really clicked as a unit yet, but you have to imagine they will once they get more familiar with new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi's system.

Defense

SUH
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Grade: A+

SUH
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When's the last time you said the Lions have an elite defense? Detroit's defense through four games has been absurdly good and has new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin being perceived as a genius. Despite losing Stephen Tulloch for the year and having several other injuries, the Lions are right at the top of most defensive categories. It's been fun to watch.

Coaching

CALDWELL
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Grade: A+

CALDWELL
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The bottom line in the NFL is winning and that's what Jim Caldwell has done so far. No one is saying he's perfect, but you can tell he's commanded respect of the team. Caldwell has done a good job of bringing discipline to a franchise that sorely needed it and has Detroit headed in the right direction.

Fuad Shalhout is a Detroit Pistons writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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