Allen Park — OK, let's try to figure this out. The Lions were 11-5 last season, narrowly lost a controversial playoff game, brought back nine starters to a stellar defense and return every key skill player on offense. And yet, outside expectations are considerably lower?
They're not lower at Lions headquarters, nor should they be. Jim Caldwell isn't compensating with false bravado, but certainly isn't shrinking from the fray.
The national perception, buttressed by Las Vegas odds, is that the Lions are a middlin' eight-win team. Historically for them, that's not bad. This time, it should be viewed as a slap.