Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan wouldn't have recommended bringing Hill in this offseason had he not seen what Hill was capable of in three years together with the Vikings (2002-04). Hill can't thread the deep out like Stafford, and the receivers will have to adjust to the velocity difference in the QBs' passes. In training camp, the wideouts compared Hill's passes to changeups compared to Stafford's fastball. There are other differences, subtle ones such as cadence, that will be figured out the more reps Hill gets.

The Lions will lack a little firepower without Stafford, but they will not be in major trouble either. There are receiving options at wideout, running back and tight end, and all of them will be utilized in the coming weeks. Look for some plays that run to Hill's strengths — short, timing passes; intermediate crossing routes — even if the offense will not change, as Schwartz has said.

You also could see rookie RB Jahvid Best a little more active in the receiving game on screens and such, although he had a fairly heavy workload (19 touches) for his first NFL game.