The Detroit Lions have emerged from years of underperformance to become one of the NFC's elite teams over the past three years. This transformation is nothing short of remarkable, marking an era that has shifted the narrative around this once-struggling franchise.
Resurgence in 2023
The Lions' rise to prominence was punctuated by their impressive 2023 season. Securing the NFC North title for the first time in decades showcased their newfound dominance. Their playoff journey was equally noteworthy, as they secured their first playoff victory since 1991, a moment that will be etched in the memories of Lions fans for years to come.
Their playoff run didn't stop there. The Lions nearly clinched a spot in the Super Bowl after a hard-fought NFC Championship Game. This narrow miss only underscored how far the team has come in such a short period.
The Architects of Change
Much of the Lions’ recent success is attributed to head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. Their leadership has instilled a winning mindset and culture within the team, turning potential into performance.
Before Campbell and Holmes took the reins, the Lions were under the guidance of head coach Matt Patricia, who served from 2018 until mid-2020. While Patricia's tenure did not yield the same level of success, it was not without its contributions. Patricia, along with former general manager Bob Quinn, made a pivotal draft decision in 2018 by selecting center Frank Ragnow in the first round. Ragnow has since become a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line.
Building the Offensive Line
The importance of a robust offensive line cannot be overstated, and the Lions have built one of the league’s best. Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow were already part of the team when Patricia arrived. However, decisions made during the Patricia-Quinn era also played a significant role. Glasgow, for instance, was not re-signed in 2019, a decision that paved the way for future changes.
Following Patricia's departure, the team continued to bolster its offensive line. Notable additions included Penei Sewell through the draft and Kevin Zeitler via free agency, both of whom have made significant impacts. The offensive line's strength was aptly noted by New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick 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," Belichick remarked.
Looking Forward
As the Lions continue their journey, the foundation laid by both past and present leadership will be crucial. The transformation from a perennial underperformer to a league powerhouse is an inspiring tale of strategic planning, player development, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Detroit Lions’ story is far from over, and if the past three years are any indication, the best may still be yet to come.