It is probably the biggest question for the Detroit Lions: Will the offense (which was ranked 19th in the NFL last season) improve this season?

Here are five reasons why the offense will be better:

1. You may have heard this before but this is the second season of the new offense led by offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Golden Tate said that the offense is night and day ahead of last year at this point. He was not alone in that assessment. It’s a complicated offense. Last season they were getting the basics down while this year they can work on the all-important details.
   
   
2. Much of the success rests on the shoulders of Matthew Stafford who looks much more comfortable at least he did in organized team activities and in minicamp. He’s working at a faster pace, thinking less and letting the play develop faster.
   
   
3. The offensive line should be improved with the additions of veteran guard/center Manny Ramirez, first-round pick Laken Tomlinson and with Travis Swanson likely starting at center. Last year Stafford was sacked a career-high 45 times. That was not all on the line, but a majority of it was.
   
   
4. An emphasis has been put on improving the run game by beefing up the offensive line and adding other key elements. That includes second-round pick Ameer Abdullah who looks like a good fit both running and catching the ball. They also drafted a fullback in Michael Burton who probably will be more of a blocking guy that one who carries the ball.
   
   
5. In training camp there’s going to be a heck of a competition at wide receiver which should make everyone better. Of course, Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate are locks. I’d say Corey Fuller is a near-lock. After that Lance Moore, Ryan Broyles, Jeremy Ross, TJ Jones, Greg Salas and Andrew Peacock will fight it out for a roster spot.
   
   

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Pre-order her new book “Game of My Life Detroit Lions” which will be be published in October on Amazon.com. Also order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here.)