Lions supporters anticipate that star player could be the most effective player to return off IR

The newest SB Nation Reacts survey results are in, and Detroit Lions fans have responded.

On Tuesday, we polled Detroit Lions (+5.5)

Wager $10 on DET

To Beat DAL:$30.00

Lose by less than 5.5:$19.26

To Lose:$14.08

 fans, asking them two questions for our latest SB Nation Reacts survey:

1. Are you confident the Lions are headed in the right direction? (weekly poll)
2. Which player do the Lions need to return from IR the most?

Regarding the first poll question, here are the results we’ve seen so far this season:

• Following Week 1 win over Chiefs: 99%
• Week 2 loss to Seahawks: 86%
• Week 3 win over Falcons: 97%
• Week 4 win over Packers: 99%
• Week 5 win over the Panthers: 99%
• Week 6 win over the Buccaneers: 99%
• Week 7 loss to the Ravens: 95%
• Week 8 win over Raiders: 98%
• Week 9 bye week: 98%
• Week 10 win over the Chargers: 99%
• Week 11 win over the Bears: 97%
• Week 12 loss to the Packers: 80%
• Week 13 win over the Saints: 84%
• Week 14 loss to the Bears: 58%
• Week 15 win over the Broncos: 96%
• Week 16 NFC North clinching win over Vikings: 98%
• After winning the NFC North, fans’ trust in the Lions’ direction increased slightly, reaching 98% after Week 16. This isn’t the season’s top mark, but it’s well within the range in which the Lions have been operating for the majority of the season.

  In terms of the second question, which player does the Lions most need to return from IR, C.J. Gardner-Johnson came out on top, narrowly beating out both Alim McNeill and James Houston.

•  

  Here are a handful of the explanations from voters in the original article’s comment area (lightly altered for clarity and ease of reading):

• • SuperBowlORdietrying:”J. Gardner” Leader of the vocal group. Playmaker. Desires to defeat his former squad. McNeill would be OK, but others must step up or their ‘audition’ for next season’s roster may be in peril.”
  • PDSX3:”CJGJ. I know we need more pass rush, but putting him back there may allow us to deploy Branch on CB blitzes without making too many sacrifices. I know his legs are still strong, but I’m not sure how strong Houston’s will be when he returns. Dline has been improving in recent weeks, so let Alim heal so he is ready for the playoffs.”
  • DrivingMrDrowsy: “This is a simple response. CJGJ is a game changer, a leader, an enforcer, a playmaker, and a versatile defender who frees up BB and Iffy, who are also versatile defenders. This year, MacNeill has been outstanding, but CJGJ changes everything about the defense.”