The Detroit Lions had a rollercoaster of a season in 2013, finishing with a record of 7-9. However, one bright spot for the team was their tight end group, which featured some talented players. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Detroit Lions tight ends from the 2013 season, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and impact on the team's performance. Whether you're a Lions fan or just a casual football enthusiast, you won't want to miss this detailed breakdown of one of the team's most exciting position groups.
Brandon Pettigrew: The Veteran Presence
Brandon Pettigrew was the Lions' starting tight end in 2013, and he provided a steady presence in both the passing and blocking games. While he wasn't the flashiest player on the team, Pettigrew's reliability and consistency made him a valuable asset for quarterback Matthew Stafford. In 2013, Pettigrew recorded 41 receptions for 416 yards and two touchdowns, which were solid if unspectacular numbers. However, his blocking was equally important, as he helped to open up running lanes for Reggie Bush and Joique Bell. Overall, Pettigrew's veteran leadership and all-around skill set made him an important contributor to the Lions' offense.
Joseph Fauria: The Red Zone Threat
While Pettigrew was the Lions' primary tight end, Joseph Fauria emerged as a fan favorite and a red zone specialist. Fauria was a rookie in 2013, but he quickly made a name for himself with his impressive size (6'7") and his knack for finding the end zone. Despite only recording 18 receptions for 207 yards, Fauria managed to score seven touchdowns, which was tied for the team lead. His height and athleticism made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses, as he was able to out-jump and out-muscle most defenders in the red zone. While Fauria still had room for improvement in other areas of his game, his ability to score touchdowns was a valuable asset for the Lions.
Eric Ebron: The Rookie Experiment
In the 2014 NFL Draft, the Lions selected Eric Ebron with the 10th overall pick, hoping to add a dynamic playmaker to their tight end group. Ebron was a highly-touted prospect out of the University of North Carolina, known for his speed, athleticism, and receiving ability. However, his rookie season with the Lions was a mixed bag, as he struggled with drops and inconsistency. Ebron finished the season with 25 receptions for 248 yards and one touchdown, which were underwhelming numbers for a top-10 pick. While Ebron showed flashes of his potential, he also had some costly mistakes and missed opportunities. It remains to be seen whether Ebron will develop into the star player the Lions hoped he would be, but his rookie season was a disappointment overall.
Michael Williams: The Converted Lineman
Michael Williams was an interesting addition to the Lions' tight end group in 2013, as he was originally drafted as an offensive tackle out of Alabama. Williams made the transition to tight end in the NFL, and while he didn't have much of an impact in the passing game, he was a valuable blocker and special teams player. Williams played in all 16 games for the Lions in 2013, but only recorded one reception for seven yards. However, his versatility and willingness to play whatever role was needed made him a valuable depth player for the Lions.
The Impact on the Lions' Season
Overall, the Detroit Lions tight ends had a solid but unspectacular season in 2013. While Brandon Pettigrew provided a steady presence and Joseph Fauria provided a red zone threat, the group as a whole didn't have any truly dominant players. This lack of star power may have contributed to the Lions' struggles on offense, as they finished the season ranked 13th in the NFL in points scored. However, the tight ends were still an important part of the team's success, as they helped to keep defenses honest and open up opportunities for other players. In the end, the Lions' tight ends were a respectable group in 2013, but they didn't do quite enough to push the team over the top.
In conclusion, the Detroit Lions tight ends from the 2013 season were a diverse and talented group, featuring a veteran leader, a rookie experiment, a converted lineman, and a red zone specialist. While they didn't have any dominant players, they each contributed in their own way to the team's success. Whether through blocking, receiving, or special teams play, the Lions' tight ends were an important part of the team's offense and a key factor in their 7-9 record. While the team ultimately fell short of their goals, the tight ends can hold their heads high knowing that they gave it their all and played an important role in the team's journey.
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