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Defensive tackle Nick Fairley flashed the ability to dominate games, but he's been unable to stay on the field during his first two seasons.

(AP File Photo)

The Detroit Lions are looking to bounce back after last season's dismal 4-12 finish.

While every player has a role, some are more important than others. Here's the final segment of our week-long look at the 25 players most critical to the team's success in 2013.

5. Glover Quin (Last season: Not ranked)

After two seasons of instability at the safety position, the Lions moved quickly in free agency to sign Quin to a five-year contract. The former Houston Texans standout hasn't missed a game over the past three seasons.

Quin is versatile, capable of playing in the box on run support, covering a tight end or a slot receiver in man coverage, while having above-average range to cover the deep portions of the field in a zone.

He's not a big-time play-maker like an Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu, but Quin plays with sound technique and should allow Detroit's cornerbacks to be more aggressive knowing they have reliable help over the top.

4. Nick Fairley (Last season: No. 12)

There were stretches last season where Fairley was the most dominant player on the field. He's an outstanding interior pass-rusher -- which is critical in Detroit's defensive line scheme -- but he also diagnoses the run well, shedding blockers with ease to stop ball carriers in the backfield.

Fairley's biggest weakness is his ability to stay healthy. A foot injury completely derailed his rookie season in 2011. Last year, a shoulder injury cut his breakout campaign short. When paired alongside Ndamukong Suh, the Lions arguably have the best interior linemen tandem in the league.

3. Calvin Johnson (Last season: No. 3)

Despite not having to worry about Javhid Best, Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles, opposing defenses still had no answer for Johnson, who broke Jerry Rice's single-season receiving yardage record. Yeah, the touchdowns were down, but a lot of that was circumstance. He was brought down inside the 5-yard line a half dozen times.

But having the best receiver in the game isn't enough in the NFL. Teams need more diversity on offense (or a better defense) to rack up the wins. Johnson should have more help this season with the return of Broyles and Burleson and the addition of Reggie Bush.

2. Reggie Bush (Last season: Not ranked)

Jahvid Best (No. 5 in our 2012 rankings) was far from an elite running back when healthy, but the fact remains, he was a key cog in Detroit's offensive scheme. Once he went down with a concussion early in the 2011 season, the offense's production and efficiency went down.

No one is expecting Best to return at this point, including Martin Mayhew, so the general manager went out and signed Bush this offseason. He possesses a similar skill set as Best, especially the speed, but is a better all-around back.

There's always a chance a free agent acquisition won't work out, but Bush appears to be an ideal fit for Detroit's offense. If he delivers on expectations, the Lions should have a more balanced attack and potentially be the NFL's most explosive offense in 2013.

1. Matthew Stafford (Last season: No. 1)

A football team generally goes as far as their quarterback takes them. That puts Stafford back in the No. 1 spot.

Look around the league and you'll be amazed at the number of one-score games each week. The difference between a six-win team and one that wins 10 is minimal. When a quarterback sees a nearly four-point decrease in his completion percentage and throws 20 fewer touchdown passes, it's easy to point in his direction when the team finishes six wins short of the previous season's mark.

Sure, there are legitimate excuses, mainly involving injuries to many key offensive weapons, but a quarterback is not afforded the luxury of using those excuses as a crutch. A good quarterback wouldn't even try.

Stafford needs to play better. He needs to take a step forward as a player and a leader if this team intends to return to the postseason. Detroit is ready to commit a long-term, big-money contract to their franchise quarterback. They've surrounded him with high draft picks and high-priced free agents. He has four years of experience under his belt. It's time to deliver.