Lions coach Jim Caldwell leans heavily on his leaders to help get his message across. It’s not like he doesn’t do his own work, but he needs reinforcements.

Here’s a look at the top three leaders on offense:

1. Matthew Stafford took on a leadership role as a rookie even though he was just 21. It’s part of the equation at quarterback. He’s grown steadily into the role each season and is now entering his seventh. He’s not afraid to speak up. He works hard to set a good example. Love the fact that he recently took the offensive line to a Detroit Tigers game as a group to get to know them and for them to know him. They all have to be on the same page. He knows it and is pushing it.
   
   
2. Calvin Johnson, the quiet and humble one, is certainly a leader. He’s not a rah-rah guy. Like Stafford he leads by example. He’s also one of the guys and is always willing to help the younger guys learn the craft. Ask Corey Fuller.
   
   
3. Golden Tate is just entering his second season in Detroit, but it seems like he’s been around forever. He’s vocal, a hard worker, helps the younger receivers, works in the community and will do whatever it takes to win.
   
   

(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.)