Even though the Lions collapsed down the stretch last season they still finished with their best record (7-9) since the 2000 season when Bobby Ross was the head coach (9-7).  The Lions started out last year 6-2 before losing 7 of the last 8 games but at least they showed some fire.  The Vikings appear to be better in 2008 but the Bears and Packers could step down a tad which opens the door for the Lions to make another move upward.  Marinelli needs to get the Lions off to another fast start in 2008 and he needs them to sustain it all season long.  That might be easier said than done but the Lions do appear to finally be on the right track.  Marinelli has now been the Lions head coach for two years now and he has compiled a 10-22 record (31.3%).