For the Detroit Lions, progress of any type is a welcome thing. While the Lions didn’t break through the .500 barrier in 2007, their 7-9 record was a major milestone on the road to winning and finally the faithful legions of fans packing Ford Field have a real foundation for hope. That’s what happens when you’re coming off seasons of double digit losses.

2007 started off like gangbusters for the Lions. A 6-2 start that included wins over the defending NFC Champion Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit seemed poised to finally break through into the NFL Playoff party. Quarterback Jon Kitna was playing with his usual toughness and the much maligned wide receiver corps blossomed under the tutelage of Mike Martz. But in Detroit of late, good times always come to an end and a 1-7 swoon to end the season knocked Detroit back in the pack. Still, the Lions are a better team than they were the previous year and under Rod Marinelli Detroit football fans have a lot to look forward to. Can the Lions start preparing for a Super Bowl? Well, it’s a little early for that.