With the NFL’s regular season now complete, and the Detroit Lions final record set at 2-14, it’s time to reflect on the state of the team, the things we witnessed this season and the ramifications these developments will have on the future of the beleaguered franchise.  Here are the things we learned: 

Matthew Stafford 

Detroit’s $42 million man had the eyes of the NFL upon him from week one of the season, and he did not disappoint. In just his third NFL game, he guided the Lions to the end of their disgraceful losing streak. Doubters of Stafford need only to watch the game against Cleveland to realize what this guy is capable of.  

Sure he threw more interceptions than you’d have liked to see, but his decision making only stands to improve with time and experience. Stafford is fortunate to possess the skills that cannot be taught: unparalleled arm strength and the ability to lead his teammates — even as the youngest guy in the huddle.   

The Lions did right in selecting Stafford, and the rebuilding effort in the post-Matt Millen era will be expedited as a result of filling their void at quarterback from the start. 

Martin Mayhew 

After a full season of evaluation, the Lions general manager walked away with an impressive haul of young players from his first NFL Draft.  

Stafford is just one of eight rookies who made important contributions this season.  

Linebacker DeAndre Levy forced his way into the starting lineup late in the season, while defensive tackle Sammie Lee Hill steadily improved to the point where he could start regularly for the Lions next season. 

But Mayhew will need several more successful draft classes to build the Lions into a playoff contender. Detroit will be positioned to select several more impact talents again in April, and it’s essential that they capitalize on the opportunity. 

Louis Delmas 

One of the few shining stars this season was rookie second-round pick Louis Delmas. Drafted out of Western Michigan, Delmas assumed the starting free safety job nearly from day one. He finished second on the team in tackles and was responsible for making the play calls for the secondary. But perhaps more importantly, he provided a physical presence that opposing players feared — something that only few of Detroit’s players of the last decade can honestly claim.  

Delmas is a playmaker and he’s going to be a building block for the Lions defense for years to come. 

Drew Stanton 

Since he was drafted in 2007, fans had been clamoring for Drew Stanton to get an opportunity to play for the Lions. Many people were even crazy enough to suggest the team should pass on drafting Stafford with their first overall pick last April because they had faith that Stanton would morph into the franchise quarterback they were seeking.  

In the final weeks of the season, however, Stanton was completely overmatched when given playing time while Stafford was injured. His performance was a far cry from his preseason heroics that had fans so giddy. 

The truth of the matter is that Stanton was never really destined to be anything for the Lions, even before injuries curtailed his first two seasons. He is merely another wasted draft pick by Millen that, quite honestly, would not have received the fans’ support had he not been a homegrown talent, attending Michigan State University and Harrison High School.  

With Daunte Culpepper packing his bags this offseason, the Lions will have to sign a veteran quarterback to serve as Stafford’s backup, leaving Stanton as the third-string signal caller at best. 

Coaching  

The jury is still out on whether Jim Schwartz will be a successful head coach, but we can now safely draw one conclusion about Lions coaching: Rod Marinelli and the 2008 staff was the worst collection of coaches ever assembled.  

There was no discernable difference in the talent level between the Detroit team that went winless two seasons ago and the team that squeaked out two victories in 2009. Above all else, blame the coaching, and blame Millen for choosing to hire them in the first place. 

The Lions brought in some reputable people to coach the team when they cleaned house and that bodes well for the team as it continues climb out of the hole it found itself in.

All in all, the 2009 season was still a difficult one for fans to endure, but at least now there are things you can point to as signs of optimism for years to come.