For the first time in a long time, teams are trying to emulate the Lions

By Tim Twentyman

Posted Mar 27, 2012

Palm Beach, Fla. -- Three years ago, could anyone associated with the Lions imagine a time when other teams around the NFL would be studying Lions game film to try and replicate things they were doing on the football field?

It's been just three seasons since their historic 0-16 run, but Texans coach Gary Kubiak told Detroitlions.com Tuesday at the NFL league meetings in Florida that he studied the Lions offense this offseason to see if he could implement some of its concepts into his own offense in Houston.

"I mean, you guys moved the hell out of the ball and we studied you guys because you were so successful moving the ball," Kubiak said. "We go back and pick a few teams that we think are doing things exceptional and see if maybe there are some things we can add to what we do offensively.

"We've both been through the same process building a football team and working our way up and I am very impressed (with the Lions). I know coach Schwartz very well from Tennessee. I think he wanted a more physical football team and I think (offensive coordinator) Scott Linehan has done a great job offensively.

The Lions had the league's fourth-ranked offense last season and fourth-best passing attack. The Texans ranked 10th overall on offense and 18th in passing.

It just so happens the Lions will host the Texans at Ford Field this season.

But Kubiak isn't the only head coach around the league impressed with the Lions' transformation into a playoff contender.

"I just think coach Schwartz and that staff have done a great job in the draft with the players they've added," said new Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, who will also play the Lions this upcoming season.

"They've done a great job with the organization and they have talent all over the place now. They built a defense and built an offense, they got the quarterback and they have a wide receiver no one can cover. My hat's off to Schwartz and his whole staff and that whole organization for what they've done there."

Titans coach Mike Munchak summed up the Lions' new image around the NFL best, though, when he said: "Most people know who's on that team now and that's a team that, for a lot of years (to come), people are going to pay attention to."

having MEGATRON to toss the rock to is great, i'm more impressed with our gunslinging QB. If we can give the guy 5 seconds or more to sit back and pick teams apart it will be all GRAVY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it is a joy to watch Stafford run the offense. no one realizes but he is CLUTCH AS HELL. but Scott Linehan and Gunther Cunningham were awesome hires by the luke skywalker of coaching. I just hope they dont take other jobs anytime soon. We are creeping on that division only 3 years after being the worst team in history so other coaches notice cuz whatever our strategy is its working. we had our issues but there were times we destroyed teams so we would be a good to emulate. i dont think many teams are copying our wide 9 tho

Actually, I think Philly copied it last year.

...with their first year DC who spent a lifetime as an O-line coach.

Teams are starting to emulate us?

You mean they are all smoking dope now?