The Book

an opposing team's scout sizes up the Lions

"This is the biggest offensive line I've I ever seen. Stockar McDougle is a 350-pound drive-blocking load. Aaron Gibson is listed at 380 pounds, but I saw their preseason game with New England, and I swear he's 400. Mike Compton is one of the most underrated players in the league. This will be the best line in football by the end of the year. Barry Sanders made a huge mistake by retiring....

The question is, Can James Stewart and Charlie Batch be durable enough to carry the offense? They've had trouble staying healthy, as has Herman Moore....

The front four is very good at getting penetration, especially Robert Porcher and Luther Elliss. Stephen Boyd is the Zach Thomas of the NFC, a smallish plugger who gets the job done....

They're suspect at corner, disappointed that Bryant Westbrook is not a better cover guy. The other corners, Kevin Abrams and Terry Fair, are too small and get hurt too much....

Defensively, this team runs out of gas because it starts losing parts and there's not much depth. A lot has to go I right for Detroit to contend."