As many NFL observers assume that the long-suffering Lions will finally become an elite team as soon as 2011, a franchise that has won three Super Bowls and been to another during Detroit’s long streak of mediocrity, and worse, is being overlooked when it comes to spotting the potential up-and-comers for the next football season.
Whenever there is a next football season.
The Raiders, who surprisingly finished 8-8 last season, are working as hard as any team to remain focused and prepared. And at a time when they can’t hear from or meet with their coaches, a future Hall of Fame defensive lineman is supplying the leadership, motivation, and inspiration.
It started with the e-mail Richard Seymour sent to his teammates announcing an intention to organizing workouts. “Men, I hope everyone is well and staying in shape because we are going to out-work everyone we face this season,” Seymour wrote, per Damon Hack of SI.com, “and it starts right now in the offseason.”
In a weak division that includes an underachieving Chargers franchise, an overachieving Chiefs team, and a rebuilding Broncos roster, the Raiders have a great chance to succeed, especially with Hue Jackson, who kick-started the offense in 2010, now taking over as head coach.
So take heart, Raiders fans. Whenever this labor mess ends, your team looks to be on track to be something other than a mess on the field.