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5 Things the Detroit Lions Must Improve Over The Offseason

5 Things the Detroit Lions Must Improve Over The Offseason

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For the 23rd consecutive season, the Detroit Lions will spend an offseason without having earned a playoff victory. As impressive as Detroit's 11-5 regular season was, the Lions once again fell short in the postseason. In order to get off to a good start in 2015, here are five things the Lions must improve on.

5. Free Agent Situation

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5. Free Agent Situation

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Several key Lions players are eligible for free agency, including Nick Fairley, Ndamukong Suh, Rob Sims, Dominic Raiola and Corey Hilliard. The future of Reggie Bush is also in question after his down season and the emergence of Theo Riddick.

4. Fixing The Offensive Line

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4. Offensive Line

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Detroit's offensive line was downright awful in 2014. Larry Warford and LaAdrian Waddle missed significant stretches while Raiola and Sims had a down year. With Raiola and Sims scheduled for free agency, the line needs an overhaul, especially in the interior.

3. Matthew Stafford's Progression

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3. Matthew Stafford's Progression

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It's easy to say that Stafford had a down year under Joe Lombardi in 2014. With line troubles and an inconsistent running game, Stafford only threw for 22 touchdowns this season compared to 29 in 2013. In his career, Stafford is 24-37 and is 0-17 on the road against teams with a winning record.

2. Keeping Teryl Austin Happy

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2. Keeping Teryl Austin Happy

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After only one season as an NFL defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin is one of the hottest candidates to earn a head coaching job this offseason. Despite significant injuries to key players all season, Detroit's defense ranked No. 1 in run defense and was one of the best defenses in the NFL.

1. Securing The Future of Ndamukong Suh

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1. Securing The Future of Ndamukong Suh

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Five days after Super Bowl XLIX, Ndamukong Suh's rookie contract is voided and he will be a free agent. With no contract signed during the season, the Lions risk losing Suh on the open market. Despite plenty of on-field controversies, Suh is a focal point to Detroit's defense and losing him would be a devastating blow.

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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