The Detroit Lions have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three years, evolving from perennial underperformers to one of the elite teams in the NFC. This metamorphosis was on full display during their stellar 2023 season, when they clinched the NFC North title for the first time in decades.
The Lions did not stop at just winning their division. Their playoff performance was equally impressive as they made a deep run, enthralling fans and analysts alike. Notably, they secured their first playoff win since 1991, a victory that both symbolized and solidified the team's resurgence. They came tantalizingly close to reaching the Super Bowl, falling just short in the NFC Championship Game.
This dramatic turnaround can largely be attributed to the astute leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. Under their guidance, the team has not only drafted key players but also fostered a new culture of resilience and competitiveness. Campbell's fiery passion and Holmes' astute decision-making have propelled the Lions to new heights.
Building the Foundation
While the current success of the Lions might be visibly overseen by Campbell and Holmes, the foundation for this renaissance was laid during previous tenures. Matt Patricia's period as head coach, which began in 2018 and ended in 2020, might have been characterized by its struggles, but it also included some pivotal moves. Patricia, along with former general manager Bob Quinn, made significant decisions that still impact the team today.
One of the key decisions was the drafting of center Frank Ragnow in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Ragnow has since become an indispensable cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line, anchoring a unit that has evolved into one of the most formidable in the league. Complementing Ragnow's prowess are Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow, who were integral parts of the team even before Patricia's arrival. However, Glasgow was not re-signed by Patricia and Quinn in 2019, a move that initially drew criticism but has ultimately been compensated by subsequent additions.
The Right Pieces at the Right Time
Upon Patricia's departure, the Lions took definitive steps to further bolster their offensive line. Through the draft and free agency, the team added crucial players like Penei Sewell and Kevin Zeitler. These additions have paid dividends, establishing the Lions' offensive line as a robust unit capable of providing their quarterback with the protection and support needed to succeed.
Reflecting on the progress made by the Lions, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick remarked on the “Let’s Go” podcast, "I think that the Lions have built a really good offensive line for their quarterback, and they couldn't get a lot of production in the red area last week, but that's something that Matt Patricia started and now they're kind of getting the fruits of the labor from him."
A Bright Future
As the Lions look ahead, their achievements in the 2023 season serve as both a benchmark and a motivation. The synergy between Campbell's leadership and Holmes' strategic acumen has created an environment where talent can thrive and the team can contend at the highest levels. The pieces are in place for sustained success, proof that their recent accomplishments are not a flash in the pan but a sign of things to come.
In a sport often characterized by fleeting glory and ephemeral success, the Detroit Lions appear to have found the formula for long-term competitiveness. For a franchise that has longed for a return to relevance, this resurgence is not just a story of one season but rather a chapter in what promises to be an enduring legacy.