How far can the Lions go?
The Detroit Lions moved to 7-2 this week with an excellent win over a high scoring Chargers team. Detroit needed a walk off field goal from Riley Patterson as time expired. They are looking pretty good through the first 9 games of the season and the bookies have them high in the rankings, but the big question... is it justified?
For me the answer is yes.
There's a lot of talk about "The Same Old Lions" and "No playoff win since '91" but let's be honest, nothing from this season suggests either of these quotes will (hopefully) stand strong.
Yes, the Lions have been completely inept the last 10+ years (and, yes, I know this first hand) but since the Brad Holmes / Dan Campbell era there's been belief among the Detroit Lions contingent.
Taking yesterday's game against the Chargers as an example of the type of game we would've lost in the last few seasons. Yes, there were points in that game where I doubted I'd be celebrating a Lions victory but Dan Campbell's troops dug in and showed true grit.
I am a pessimist, or possibly a realist, given the last few seasons. However we've started strong(ish) and there's a firm belief throughout the team that we can win every game. DC has Goff (and the rest of the team) playing close to their limit.
So will the Lions make the playoffs?
Given the division I really hope so. There are leaders in our team, and I believe they expect playoffs as a minimum... Hutch and Sewell, not to mention Amon-Ra and Montgomery. Given the previous players mentioned plus the new recruits of Brian Branch, Jam and Sam (Gibbs and LaPorta respectively), not to mention Jamo Williams coming back, surely there's hope?!
Are the Lions going to the Super Bowl?
No. I'd love the answer to be yes, but I don't see it. I hate saying this but we will fall short. I love DC. I love Brad. I love Amon-Ra and the rest of those crazy (big) cats. I love everything about the 2023/24 Lions but, unfortunately, I feel like it's a step too far this season.
However, will we bring joy to the neutral fan, and more generally the NFL fan base? 100% we will, and hopefully we already have!
We love offence.
We also lack a defence at, what feels like, crucial points in games. Oh, and we love special teams, trick plays and 4th downs!
Same Old Lions?! No. I think (and hope) this tag is gone! It's One *New* Pride from here on out. But firstly:
Let's own the NFC North. #OnePride.