(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown will be posted five times a week using the list format.)

Jason Hanson was a fixture for 21 seasons. The Lions were spoiled because he was nearly automatic. Here are three reasons that Dave Akers will be a good replacement:

1. Akers is 38 years old, another experienced guy. Not sure what percentage it takes mentally to be a successful NFL kicker, but it’s got to be high.

2. Akers has been in every situation in the NFL including the Super Bowl in February.  His experience should pay off.

3. He had his worst season last year because he was hurt. He still played through but then in February had surgery on his groin. He expects to be back to his old winning ways.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)