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5 Things We Learned From The Detroit Lions’ 2014 Season

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By @BrianKalchik

5 Things We Learned From The Detroit Lions' 2014 Season

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After a 11-5 regular season that saw the defense rank among the best in the NFL, the Detroit Lions' season ended, somewhat controversially, against Dallas in a 24-20 wild card loss. While the playoff loss was disappointing, this season has to be described as a success compared to past years. Here are five things we learned from Detroit's 2014 season.

5. Teryl Austin Was A Great First-Time Defensive Coordinator

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5. Teryl Austin Was A Great First-Time Defensive Coordinator

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In his first year as a coordinator in the professional level, Teryl Austin oversaw the league's top-ranked rushing defense and one of the best defenses in the NFL. Austin's future may be elsewhere as he is a hot candidate for a head coaching position, but his work this year with a unit that saw many players injured was spectacular.

4. Martin Mayhew's Free Agent Signings Were Great

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4. Martin Mayhew's Free Agent Signings Were Great

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Detroit's top two free agents, Golden Tate and James Ihedigbo, both had an outstanding season for Detroit. Tate had career-highs in receptions yards while Ihedigbo was a big reason why Detroit's defense ranked among the best in the league. Mayhew's other transactions, however, did not go so well.

3. Special Teams Was A Total Disaster

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3. Special Teams Was A Total Disaster

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The special teams units were a complete disaster this season. Detroit went through three kickers, finally settling on Matt Prater. The return units were unspectacular with Jeremy Ross continually fumbling at key moments. Sam Martin had an otherwise good season until his 10-yard punt late in the game against Dallas.

2. Jim Caldwell Was The Right Hire

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2. Jim Caldwell Was The Right Hire

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With everyone in Detroit wanting Ken Whisenhunt to replace Jim Schwartz, it turned out that Jim Caldwell was the better hire. Caldwell's calm demeanor helped change the culture in Detroit's locker room, and the Lions didn't beat themselves as much as they did in 2013.

1. Rookies Were Outright Busts

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1. Rookies Were Outright Busts

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None of Detroit's eight draft picks had even okay seasons. Eric Ebron, Detroit's No. 1 pick, only had 25 receptions in 12 games. Second-round pick Kyle Van Noy only played in five games, while seventh-round kicker Nate Freese was released after three games.

Brian Kalchik is a Detroit Lions 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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