Taking a page from the Seahawks' playbook

In an effort to abandon their losing ways and intimidate the powerhouses of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions have altered their logo to make their Lion more fierce. The Seattle Seahawks were the last team to change their logo, doing so in 2002 after moving to the NFC West. In 2001, the Hawks were coming off a 9-7 season. With the new logo, Seattle went 7-9 in 2002.

Now, it might be tough for Detroit to follow in the same footsteps since, mathematically, they can't be worse in 2009 than their 0-16 2008 campaign. But if you're a Lions fan, you shouldn't be comforted by the new image.

There are probably about 34 million bloggers around the country saying, "Remember, they're still the Detroit Lions!" But guess what? The Lions might be turning things around sooner rather than later, even beyond the logo.

This offseason has been one of drastic improvement in the Motor City. Matt Millen is gone. Julian Peterson is signed, along with Philip Buchanan and Anthony Henry. Dan Orlovsky (better known as the QB who ran out of the back of the end zone without realizing it) is outta town and if Detroit wants, they can draft his replacement, or give Daunte "I'm still only 32 years old, guys" Culpepper the job. It was just four years ago that Culpepper lit up the league for 4,717 yards, 39 TDs and just 11 interceptions. Since then, in 23 games, he's thrown for just 4,610 yards, 17 TDs and 26 INTs, but that can be attributed to several aspects, such as injuries and playing for both Matt Millen and Freddy Krueger's twin brother.

Sure, Calvin Johnson is no Randy Moss and he had four receivers with at least 47 catches that year, while Detroit had one with 40 in 2008, but it doesn't mean he can't somewhat return to form. Detroit nabbed Bryant Johnson from San Francisco and can possibly yoink a sleeper in the draft. If they get Johnson any help, Culpepper could be a surprise in the league next season.

I'm not saying Detroit is headed for 16-0 or even 8-8, but their new look, both on and off the field, could sneak up on the league this season.