Now that WR Bryant Johnson's in Detroit, Johnson is hoping to benefit from playing opposite of Calvin Johnson, who should move into the elite class of WRs this season. Bryant Johnson still has the speed to get downfield and all of his experience in the slot has improved his play over the middle.
Other factors that should help Bryant Johnson get more opportunities with the Lions are the addition of rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew and free agent slot WR Dennis Northcutt - who will both put more pressure on the defense - and a greater emphasis on the running game.
In the past few years, teams didn't respect Detroit's running attack so they could play two-deep zones and not worry about WRs on either side of the field. If the Lions can run the ball with any effectiveness, one safety will have to drop into the box. The other safety will have to shade Calvin Johnson and now the field opens up more for Bryant Johnson.
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