The Detroit Lions have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three years, evolving from one of the NFL's perennial underperformers into one of the NFC's elite teams. This dramatic turnaround culminated in an extraordinary 2023 season, which saw the Lions clinch the NFC North title for the first time in decades and make a remarkable playoff run.
A Historic 2023 Season
The 2023 season will be remembered as a landmark moment in the history of the Detroit Lions. For the first time since 1991, the team won a playoff game, reigniting hope and passion among their long-suffering fanbase. The Lions' journey in the postseason didn't end there. They came heartbreakingly close to securing a spot in the Super Bowl, falling just short in the NFC Championship Game. This achievement, while ultimately bittersweet, underscores the significant progress the team has made in a short period.
The Architects of Success
Much of the credit for the Lions' resurgence goes to head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. These two leaders have instilled a new culture of resilience and determination within the organization, setting the stage for the team's recent successes. Under their guidance, the Lions have developed into a cohesive and formidable unit capable of competing with the best in the league.
Foundation Laid by Patricia and Quinn
However, it's essential to acknowledge the contributions of former head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn, who laid some of the foundational pieces for the Lions' current success. During their tenure, which began in 2018 and ended in mid-2020, Patricia and Quinn made several key decisions that have had a lasting impact on the team’s performance.
One of their most significant moves was drafting center Frank Ragnow in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Ragnow has become a cornerstone of the Lions' offensive line, providing stability and leadership in the trenches. While Patricia and Quinn's time at the helm was marked by several challenges, their decision to prioritize strengthening the offensive line has paid dividends.
Building an Elite Offensive Line
In addition to Ragnow, the Lions' offensive line includes standout players such as Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow, who were already part of the team before Patricia’s arrival. However, in a somewhat controversial move, Patricia and Quinn chose not to re-sign Glasgow in 2019, a decision that raised eyebrows at the time.
Following Patricia's departure, Holmes and Campbell continued to build on the foundation set by their predecessors. They added talents like Penei Sewell and Kevin Zeitler through the draft and free agency, bolstering the offensive line further. The result is one of the most formidable units in the league, capable of protecting the quarterback and creating opportunities in the run game.
Bill Belichick, a respected voice in the NFL, acknowledged the Lions' progress on the "Let's Go" podcast. He remarked, "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's observation highlights the importance of the groundwork laid by Patricia while emphasizing the continued development and optimization of the offensive line under the current regime.
Looking Forward
The Detroit Lions' recent success has injected a renewed sense of optimism into the franchise and its fanbase. With the leadership of Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, the Lions are well-positioned to build on their current momentum and continue their ascent in the NFL hierarchy. The team's blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent provides a solid foundation for sustained success.
While the heartbreak of coming so close to a Super Bowl berth will undoubtedly linger, the lessons learned and experiences gained during the 2023 season will serve the Lions well in the coming years. As the team continues to grow and evolve, there is every reason to believe that the Detroit Lions will remain a formidable force in the NFC and a legitimate contender for future championships.