The Opposition’s Depth Chart: Detroit Lions

Have the Miami Dolphins finally arrived?  3 consecutive wins, and Miami Dolphins fans are on cloud nine.  But is this team ready for the playoffs?  The game against the Lions will be the ultimate test, who sit pretty with a record of 6-2.  Lets check out their depth chart.

Offense

While the Lions defense is great, the offense continues to have an indifferent season.  Quarterback Matthew Stafford has played well in the Lions recent comebacks, but has not significantly improved from the last few seasons.  He's completed 61% of his passes, but has thrown fewer yards from this time last year (2,216) and has taken more sacks (24).

Getting Calvin Johnson back at wide receiver would be a big boost to Stafford, but it's the offensive line that needs work.  They played well last year, but have been disappointing this year.  Right tackle has been a problem area, where both LaAdrian Waddle and Corey Hilliard have missed playing time.  Right guard Larry Warford has also not played to the standard he needs to, and both Raiola and Rob Sims have been inconsistent.  Left tackle Riley Reiff has been the standout player, but had his worst game against Atlanta.

At wide receiver, Golden Tate has played immensely well, ranking third in the NFL in catches and yards.  He's also made some big and important plays.  Corey Fuller has also played very well, but needs to do a better job at bringing in the football.  The tight ends, Brandon Pettigrew and Eric Ebron, the latter of which who was supposed to be that dynamic tight end that can stretch the field, have disappointed thus far.

Defense

The Lions have brought back defensive tackle C.J. Mosley from suspension, while Kyle Van Noy has been activated from the short-term injured reserve list.  Mosley was suspended for 2 weeks and sent home from London the day prior to the game against the Falcons.  The Lions have refused to comment why, but reports suggest Mosley disconnected a smoke detector in his hotel room, which alerted hotel staff.  Van Noy, the team's second round pick in May, missed the first 8 games, following a sports hernia injury in the preseason.  He'll compete for playing time with Ashlee Palmer at the starting SAM linebacker position.

With the Lions having the NFL's best defense to date, Miami's offense will need to be at their best on Sunday.

Special Teams

The Detrot Lions kicking team have been terrible all season, and were especially fortunate in the game against Atlanta after the initial missed field goal.  Fortunately the Lions put the ball between the posts on their second attempt, after a controversial penalty on the field allowed the Lions a second chance at winning the game.

Alex Parish is an Associate Editor at The Phinsider. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @AlexParish89.