General Jack
Vorschlaghammer
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The Official Detroit Lions Den Thread
- Thread starter PowerT83
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QB- Goff/Hooker (2)
RB- Gibbs/Montgomery/Reynolds/Vaki (4)
WR- St. Brown/Williams/Patrick/TeSlaa/Raymond/Lovett (6)
TE- LaPorta/Wright/Zylstra (3)
OT- Sewell/Decker/Manu/Jones (4)
IOL- Mahogany/Glasgow/Ratledge/Awosika/Egaukan (5)
DE- Hutchinson/Davenport/Muhammad (3!!!)
DT- Reader/Williams/Lopez/O'Connor/Wingo/Smith (6)
LB- Campbell/Anzalone/Barnes/Cunningham/Stuard/Nowaske (6)
CB- Reed/Arnold/Robertson/Ya-Sin/Dorsey (5)
SS- Joseph/Branch/Maddox (3)
Specialist- Bates/Fox/Hatten (3)
PUP: McNeill, Frazier, Rodriguez, Paschal
I am very surprised that they went with 3 EDGE's but they are definitely getting somebody and have a plan.
I'm surprised Smith made the list. I really liked Cooper.
I am curious what the plan is on the backend.
RB- Gibbs/Montgomery/Reynolds/Vaki (4)
WR- St. Brown/Williams/Patrick/TeSlaa/Raymond/Lovett (6)
TE- LaPorta/Wright/Zylstra (3)
OT- Sewell/Decker/Manu/Jones (4)
IOL- Mahogany/Glasgow/Ratledge/Awosika/Egaukan (5)
DE- Hutchinson/Davenport/Muhammad (3!!!)
DT- Reader/Williams/Lopez/O'Connor/Wingo/Smith (6)
LB- Campbell/Anzalone/Barnes/Cunningham/Stuard/Nowaske (6)
CB- Reed/Arnold/Robertson/Ya-Sin/Dorsey (5)
SS- Joseph/Branch/Maddox (3)
Specialist- Bates/Fox/Hatten (3)
PUP: McNeill, Frazier, Rodriguez, Paschal
I am very surprised that they went with 3 EDGE's but they are definitely getting somebody and have a plan.
I'm surprised Smith made the list. I really liked Cooper.
I am curious what the plan is on the backend.
General Jack
Vorschlaghammer
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The Lions anticipated turnover. Their principles prepared them for it
Culture, leadership and staffing are the core principles of the organization's pact and it's at the root of their turnaround and success.
www.nytimes.com
MAD
Arsenal FC, Detroit Lions
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MAD
Arsenal FC, Detroit Lions
- Joined
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I couldn't help it. I should go to bed, but I'm too amped for tomorrow's game. And I should have done this earlier. But between a Training Camp Preview, restarting my Vol podcast, a recent promotion and just enjoying football...I was late. This won't be as edited or proofread or clear as my other write ups. But I wanted to do one more. And to be honest, it's because I ****ing love this team.
1. This team is hungry. This team is pissed off. This team is fired up. Between the playoff loss, the offseason talk about how they cannot repeat last year and the constant talk of losing two coordinators to the point of disrespect of their head coach, this Detroit Lions team is the most focused I've heard and seen so far. I understand the national media has a hard time forgetting the Lions past and that is a new owner, new front office and new head coach. I understand that nobody has ever had back to back 15 win seasons (or even 14!). But this talk that the coordinators somehow made this team is disrespectful to the work that Sheila, Brad and Dan have done. You know who hired the right people and cleared the organizational wrought after decades of ineptitude? Sheila Ford-Hamp. You know who built the best roster in the NFL? Brad Holmes. You know who hired Johnson and Glenn to give them their chance? Dan Campbell. You know who has endured the brunt of criticisms while the coordinators (national media-wise) have gotten heaps and bounds of praise? Dan Campbell. You know who has the most regular season wins, the 2nd most overall wins and won back-to-back division titles the last two years? Dan Campbell. You know who is 38-12 in his last 50 games while going 16-2 in the division the last three years? Dan Campbell. Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn were key cogs and did a wonderful job for this organization the last four years. They are not the main reasons this organization is slowly becoming a jewel in the NFL. This team loves their head coach; actually they ADORE him. They will not fail him and miss the playoffs. Yeah, they might win JUST 11-12 games and maybe Jordan Love (heh) becomes Josh Allen and the Packers win the division. But this team, barring a Jared Goff or Penei Sewell injury, will not take a major step back.
2. Hey, a point I wasn't going to make four hours ago has now popped up! JAAAMMMOOOOOOO. I was very surprised they extended Jameson Williams. Let's talk the player first. He's awesome and I love him. I love his attitude, I love how he plays the game and his excitement/energy is very important and understated. He still has a long ways too ago, but he was a top 25 WR last year at just age 24. I don't care about the suspensions considering the NFL twice reduced them and then adjusted rules regarding those suspensions. He's clearly back to the level of athlete we saw pre-ACL injury. He showed much more consistency last year, he's one of the best five deep route players in the league and again, he has so much room to grow. He blocks his ass off AND there are a lot of WRs who would have bitched about the lack of touches since St. Brown is the #1 WR. The fact the Lions did this now hints to me they think he's going to have a monster year (and a point of emphasis from Morton this offseason has been more Jamo). I would have waited one more year but he might have cost too much by then. $67M guaranteed feels significant, we will see how the contract plays out (that could include his 5th year option and actually be a 4 year contract with a VOID year). I would have Hutchison, Branch and Gibbs more lined up to give big-time money too. But he's a key cog in the offense with the fact you have to play a safety to his side at all times and I like the faith in him to keep producing. Brad doesn't miss on the long-term stuff. And the cap keeps going up by $15M-$20M per year. I'm fine with it.
3. I'm going to speak out of both sides of my mouth here. I do not like what they've done with the other EDGE spot opposite Hutchinson. But I understand the plan. Davenport is a good player, he just can't stay healthy. If you think some of this is luck (which it is) then I understand having Davenport as your starter and watching his snap counts/games to get that production. He did look good in his limited time last year and he tore his pec, so he shouldn't lose any explosiveness. They want a bigger body opposite Hutch that can set the edge, and defend the run better than average so #97 can eat. I also understand getting an EDGE is easier at the trade deadline AND the Lions have a specific role they envision in that other EDGE spot. This to me is just betting on the wrong horse. He's only played 6 games the last two years and he's 29. Detroit also didn't get a backup plan. They didn't draft an EDGE in the 2nd or 3rd round to help bring some depth to that position. There is still some interesting free agents and there should be options at the deadline. Also, veteran contracts become non-guaranteed after game 1, so they could have a deal in place (coughCLOWNEYcough) and won't announce it till after game 1 (like the Eagles did with Za'Darius Smith). I just don't envision this working with Davenport but I believe in Brad to correct if it goes awry again.
4. With that said, I'm not panicking because I see some of the idea. Detroit has really invested in a lot of undersized DT's that can also play outside. They got Mekhi Wingo back earlier than expected, they brought in Tyler Lacy and Tyrus Wheat who are both just 25 and have shown some capabilities in the NFL. They expect to get Hassanein back, Paschal can be activated at any time once he's healthy. They use that SAM spot as another pass rusher and Derrick Barnes is also back, who really improved in 2023. They also blitz a significant amount so having a pass rushing specialist isn't a necessity. Al-Quadin Muhammad did also give them some juice in the pass rush last year and he's had a full offseason with Detroit. I also think if Tyleik Williams holds the fort down and DJ Reader (who has gotten rave reviews with a healthy offseason) can create havoc inside, we could see Alim McNeill line up outside later in the year as he works his way back. I will give Brad the benefit of the doubt right now. However, if we are past the trade deadline with Davenport injured, Muhammad not producing and no moves, then I will properly panic.
5. The Lions did the right thing with the interior of the OL and how they shaped it out. I do believe Ratledge can become a stout C in the future, but we know he is a day 1 starter at RG. We know Graham Glasgow can handle the C spot and he feels much better after he was injured all last year. It makes complete sense to have a veteran who has handled the position well before between two guards with little NFL experience, even if they are uber talented. As long as he is healthy, I think Mahogany has a chance to be a beast in 2025. He was a mauler in the two starts he had and he did not get enough credit for how well he played in the playoff game last year. If Glasgow is average (which I think is possible) and Ratledge immediately plays well, I think the interior of the OL will be more than fine and this is a top 8 OL unit. They need Taylor Decker to get back to his 2022-2023 form (I thought he was not great last year) and they need Sewell to be just a little more consistent in the pass blocking. That is a lot of asks, but these aren't impossible tasks. I could see them being just fine the first few weeks and not dominant play like the last three years, but I trust Hank Fraley as much as anyone on staff to get this unit playing at a great level.
6. Man, life is rough as a QB. Jared Goff played like a top 3 QB in the NFL last year. He plays a bad playoff game where he was clearly concussed on a non-called illegal hit and everyone thinks he sucks again. His OC leaves and somehow a man who was (allegedly) only good because of Sean McVay is now only good because of Ben Johnson. This is not 25 year old Jared Goff. This is a 10 year NFL veteran with 5 playoff wins under his belt and 4 division titles that has gotten better every year in Detroit Jared Goff. He might not reach the statistical highs of last year (that is a tough ask) but I have zero doubt he's a top 10 QB in football and with the weapons he has, will continue to produce as a top 10 QB. I'm sure the pundits will declare John Morton (at 55) an undiscovered coaching gem that also made Goff if he puts up top 8 numbers again, but real Lions fans know he's proven as the franchise leader. He might start slow (he has all four years, he usually gets it going by game 4) and the media will declare him dead, but by week 14, he's going to be top 5 in yards, completion percentage and YPA again.
7. With all due respect to Philadelphia, who does have an incredible set of skill players on offense...I would take Detroit over anyone. Jahmyr Gibbs has been in the league two years and he's a certified top 5 back. David Montgomery is a top 12 back. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a top 8 WR. Sam LaPorta is a top 10 TE. Jameson Williams has a monster season lurking in him and the addition of Isaac TeSlaa gives the Lions another explosive option they can go too. Ben Johnson was fantastic at getting those guys the ball in places they can do damage and that's all John Morton needs to do. He's talked about being more explosive and I do like hearing that. But overall, Goff is going to thrive getting the ball out quick and over the middle and letting these skill players eat. They have 5 Pro Bowl caliber players they can spread the ball around too. If they can add a little bit more designs to let these guys get in space more, the offense can even go further.
8. I wanted to talk about the secondary because I freaking love this group. I thought the DJ Reed signing was really interesting. He does well in man coverage but grades extremely well in zone and as a tackler for his position. He has great athleticism, rarely gets beat deep and he does a good job avoiding penalties. I think Terrion Arnold is going to take a big step. Much like how the coaching staff talked about Jameson Williams in 2024 and Alim McNeill in 2023, the constant praise from the coaching staff and from Dan specifically has given me hope. We know the talent is there and we saw the improvements over the course of the year, it's now putting it together. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are the clear cut best safety tandem in the NFL and should once again be All-Pro caliber players. I also think Branch has a chance to win DPOY. I know that sounds crazy but you saw the playmaking in 2024 and we forget how young he still is. He will be a monster. Amik Robertson is so fun and he plays that slot CB spot so well. And we know he can go outside at any time. I also like the depth. Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox are versatile veterans that can play in a lot of spots, something the Lions have needed in the pass. And I am really intrigued by the waiver wire add of Thomas Harper. He was a UDFA in 2024 and played 191 snaps for the Raiders last year with a 78 PFF grade. Raider fans were disappointed he was cut and it could have been a new regime wanting their own guys. I think the depth is so much improved from the last couple of years. And this is still a pretty young group. Love what Holmes has done here and it wouldn't shock me if we hear some "Lions have the best secondary in the NFC" talk in a few weeks.
9. I'm very excited about Kelvin Sheppard and while I would not have been upset bringing in a veteran DC from outside the building, everyone knew this was the direction they would go in. Sheppard has been groomed for the role since 2022 and that has been talked about consistently this offseason. Detroit is not going to change their defensive identity. They are going to play aggressive in the back end with man coverage. They are going to ask their linebackers to play close to the box. They are going to ask their DL to play both run and pass. They are going to blitz a lot and they are going to make you beat them. I am perfectly good with that. I just am asking for more changeups. I did not think it was an accident that Detroit gave up over 422 yards and 30 points per game in 4 playoff games the last two years. When teams could protect against the blitz or found the right man beater plays, Detroit got burned. We also saw because of how much man coverage Detroit played, in their two playoff losses they gave up 99 yards to the QB's. Sheppard just needs to be versatile and try not to be a hero for this defense to improve. The talent is there, trust them to make plays. Glenn did way too much trying to "beat" you instead of trying to win the down. Defense is about keeping everything in front and getting off the field. If they can throw in some zone looks, some different stunts to help combat some of the deficiencies we have seen, Detroit can be an elite defense.
10. To use a phrase every sportswriter and sports pundit has used, the hunters have become the hunted. They are no longer the scrappy underdogs just trying to fight to respectability. They have won 2 straight division titles, the most regular season wins and two playoff wins with a #1 seed as well the last two years. The city is ready for them to take the next step. Listen to the national media and they will tell you it's over. This was just a two year window, that Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn were once in a lifetime coordinators and the Lions will not be able to survive the constant turnover that is the NFL. What the Lions have built doesn't matter to the national media. They see two tough playoff losses and assume they will go back to the Same Old Lions. This is not that franchise anymore. This team is built through talent, football character and toughness, all leading to their mantra; GRIT. This organization has been planning since 2022 for their coordinators to leave. This organization continues to be smart and ahead of the curve in their player evaluations. The organization has built a foundation for the rest of the decade. There are going to be questions and they are fair. And yes, I'm a Detroit Lion fan that likes my kool-aid to be blue (Honolulu blue to be precise). But I trust and believe in the fabric of this franchise. I believe that Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell are truly elite at what they do. And quite frankly, I think this is the best roster in the NFL with the right mindset to become Super Bowl Champions. I have been a Detroit Lions fan (and a Detroit sports fan) for almost two decades. My entire adult life I have consumed thousands upon thousands of hours of Detroit sports. Whether watching the games, reading articles, watching YouTube videos or remember moments to help me fall asleep, like countless fans do around the world. I have never picked a Detroit sports team to make their championship game. I like to be positive but usually I'm very cautious for season projections with my sports teams. Usually it's tepid optimism. And maybe in (looks at clock, realizes I should go to bed) 18 hours Green Bay beats Detroit by two scores and I look like a ****ing fool. But I have never felt this good about a Detroit sports team. I have never fully bought in like this. Everything about this team gives me a feeling I have truly never experienced before a season; not the Braves or Vols either. This group is going to be special. They are going to be remembered. This organization is ready to accomplish something they have never done before, bringing something to the city of Detroit that has been overdue for decades.
The Detroit Lions will be in Super Bowl LX on February 8th, 2026.
1. This team is hungry. This team is pissed off. This team is fired up. Between the playoff loss, the offseason talk about how they cannot repeat last year and the constant talk of losing two coordinators to the point of disrespect of their head coach, this Detroit Lions team is the most focused I've heard and seen so far. I understand the national media has a hard time forgetting the Lions past and that is a new owner, new front office and new head coach. I understand that nobody has ever had back to back 15 win seasons (or even 14!). But this talk that the coordinators somehow made this team is disrespectful to the work that Sheila, Brad and Dan have done. You know who hired the right people and cleared the organizational wrought after decades of ineptitude? Sheila Ford-Hamp. You know who built the best roster in the NFL? Brad Holmes. You know who hired Johnson and Glenn to give them their chance? Dan Campbell. You know who has endured the brunt of criticisms while the coordinators (national media-wise) have gotten heaps and bounds of praise? Dan Campbell. You know who has the most regular season wins, the 2nd most overall wins and won back-to-back division titles the last two years? Dan Campbell. You know who is 38-12 in his last 50 games while going 16-2 in the division the last three years? Dan Campbell. Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn were key cogs and did a wonderful job for this organization the last four years. They are not the main reasons this organization is slowly becoming a jewel in the NFL. This team loves their head coach; actually they ADORE him. They will not fail him and miss the playoffs. Yeah, they might win JUST 11-12 games and maybe Jordan Love (heh) becomes Josh Allen and the Packers win the division. But this team, barring a Jared Goff or Penei Sewell injury, will not take a major step back.
2. Hey, a point I wasn't going to make four hours ago has now popped up! JAAAMMMOOOOOOO. I was very surprised they extended Jameson Williams. Let's talk the player first. He's awesome and I love him. I love his attitude, I love how he plays the game and his excitement/energy is very important and understated. He still has a long ways too ago, but he was a top 25 WR last year at just age 24. I don't care about the suspensions considering the NFL twice reduced them and then adjusted rules regarding those suspensions. He's clearly back to the level of athlete we saw pre-ACL injury. He showed much more consistency last year, he's one of the best five deep route players in the league and again, he has so much room to grow. He blocks his ass off AND there are a lot of WRs who would have bitched about the lack of touches since St. Brown is the #1 WR. The fact the Lions did this now hints to me they think he's going to have a monster year (and a point of emphasis from Morton this offseason has been more Jamo). I would have waited one more year but he might have cost too much by then. $67M guaranteed feels significant, we will see how the contract plays out (that could include his 5th year option and actually be a 4 year contract with a VOID year). I would have Hutchison, Branch and Gibbs more lined up to give big-time money too. But he's a key cog in the offense with the fact you have to play a safety to his side at all times and I like the faith in him to keep producing. Brad doesn't miss on the long-term stuff. And the cap keeps going up by $15M-$20M per year. I'm fine with it.
3. I'm going to speak out of both sides of my mouth here. I do not like what they've done with the other EDGE spot opposite Hutchinson. But I understand the plan. Davenport is a good player, he just can't stay healthy. If you think some of this is luck (which it is) then I understand having Davenport as your starter and watching his snap counts/games to get that production. He did look good in his limited time last year and he tore his pec, so he shouldn't lose any explosiveness. They want a bigger body opposite Hutch that can set the edge, and defend the run better than average so #97 can eat. I also understand getting an EDGE is easier at the trade deadline AND the Lions have a specific role they envision in that other EDGE spot. This to me is just betting on the wrong horse. He's only played 6 games the last two years and he's 29. Detroit also didn't get a backup plan. They didn't draft an EDGE in the 2nd or 3rd round to help bring some depth to that position. There is still some interesting free agents and there should be options at the deadline. Also, veteran contracts become non-guaranteed after game 1, so they could have a deal in place (coughCLOWNEYcough) and won't announce it till after game 1 (like the Eagles did with Za'Darius Smith). I just don't envision this working with Davenport but I believe in Brad to correct if it goes awry again.
4. With that said, I'm not panicking because I see some of the idea. Detroit has really invested in a lot of undersized DT's that can also play outside. They got Mekhi Wingo back earlier than expected, they brought in Tyler Lacy and Tyrus Wheat who are both just 25 and have shown some capabilities in the NFL. They expect to get Hassanein back, Paschal can be activated at any time once he's healthy. They use that SAM spot as another pass rusher and Derrick Barnes is also back, who really improved in 2023. They also blitz a significant amount so having a pass rushing specialist isn't a necessity. Al-Quadin Muhammad did also give them some juice in the pass rush last year and he's had a full offseason with Detroit. I also think if Tyleik Williams holds the fort down and DJ Reader (who has gotten rave reviews with a healthy offseason) can create havoc inside, we could see Alim McNeill line up outside later in the year as he works his way back. I will give Brad the benefit of the doubt right now. However, if we are past the trade deadline with Davenport injured, Muhammad not producing and no moves, then I will properly panic.
5. The Lions did the right thing with the interior of the OL and how they shaped it out. I do believe Ratledge can become a stout C in the future, but we know he is a day 1 starter at RG. We know Graham Glasgow can handle the C spot and he feels much better after he was injured all last year. It makes complete sense to have a veteran who has handled the position well before between two guards with little NFL experience, even if they are uber talented. As long as he is healthy, I think Mahogany has a chance to be a beast in 2025. He was a mauler in the two starts he had and he did not get enough credit for how well he played in the playoff game last year. If Glasgow is average (which I think is possible) and Ratledge immediately plays well, I think the interior of the OL will be more than fine and this is a top 8 OL unit. They need Taylor Decker to get back to his 2022-2023 form (I thought he was not great last year) and they need Sewell to be just a little more consistent in the pass blocking. That is a lot of asks, but these aren't impossible tasks. I could see them being just fine the first few weeks and not dominant play like the last three years, but I trust Hank Fraley as much as anyone on staff to get this unit playing at a great level.
6. Man, life is rough as a QB. Jared Goff played like a top 3 QB in the NFL last year. He plays a bad playoff game where he was clearly concussed on a non-called illegal hit and everyone thinks he sucks again. His OC leaves and somehow a man who was (allegedly) only good because of Sean McVay is now only good because of Ben Johnson. This is not 25 year old Jared Goff. This is a 10 year NFL veteran with 5 playoff wins under his belt and 4 division titles that has gotten better every year in Detroit Jared Goff. He might not reach the statistical highs of last year (that is a tough ask) but I have zero doubt he's a top 10 QB in football and with the weapons he has, will continue to produce as a top 10 QB. I'm sure the pundits will declare John Morton (at 55) an undiscovered coaching gem that also made Goff if he puts up top 8 numbers again, but real Lions fans know he's proven as the franchise leader. He might start slow (he has all four years, he usually gets it going by game 4) and the media will declare him dead, but by week 14, he's going to be top 5 in yards, completion percentage and YPA again.
7. With all due respect to Philadelphia, who does have an incredible set of skill players on offense...I would take Detroit over anyone. Jahmyr Gibbs has been in the league two years and he's a certified top 5 back. David Montgomery is a top 12 back. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a top 8 WR. Sam LaPorta is a top 10 TE. Jameson Williams has a monster season lurking in him and the addition of Isaac TeSlaa gives the Lions another explosive option they can go too. Ben Johnson was fantastic at getting those guys the ball in places they can do damage and that's all John Morton needs to do. He's talked about being more explosive and I do like hearing that. But overall, Goff is going to thrive getting the ball out quick and over the middle and letting these skill players eat. They have 5 Pro Bowl caliber players they can spread the ball around too. If they can add a little bit more designs to let these guys get in space more, the offense can even go further.
8. I wanted to talk about the secondary because I freaking love this group. I thought the DJ Reed signing was really interesting. He does well in man coverage but grades extremely well in zone and as a tackler for his position. He has great athleticism, rarely gets beat deep and he does a good job avoiding penalties. I think Terrion Arnold is going to take a big step. Much like how the coaching staff talked about Jameson Williams in 2024 and Alim McNeill in 2023, the constant praise from the coaching staff and from Dan specifically has given me hope. We know the talent is there and we saw the improvements over the course of the year, it's now putting it together. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are the clear cut best safety tandem in the NFL and should once again be All-Pro caliber players. I also think Branch has a chance to win DPOY. I know that sounds crazy but you saw the playmaking in 2024 and we forget how young he still is. He will be a monster. Amik Robertson is so fun and he plays that slot CB spot so well. And we know he can go outside at any time. I also like the depth. Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox are versatile veterans that can play in a lot of spots, something the Lions have needed in the pass. And I am really intrigued by the waiver wire add of Thomas Harper. He was a UDFA in 2024 and played 191 snaps for the Raiders last year with a 78 PFF grade. Raider fans were disappointed he was cut and it could have been a new regime wanting their own guys. I think the depth is so much improved from the last couple of years. And this is still a pretty young group. Love what Holmes has done here and it wouldn't shock me if we hear some "Lions have the best secondary in the NFC" talk in a few weeks.
9. I'm very excited about Kelvin Sheppard and while I would not have been upset bringing in a veteran DC from outside the building, everyone knew this was the direction they would go in. Sheppard has been groomed for the role since 2022 and that has been talked about consistently this offseason. Detroit is not going to change their defensive identity. They are going to play aggressive in the back end with man coverage. They are going to ask their linebackers to play close to the box. They are going to ask their DL to play both run and pass. They are going to blitz a lot and they are going to make you beat them. I am perfectly good with that. I just am asking for more changeups. I did not think it was an accident that Detroit gave up over 422 yards and 30 points per game in 4 playoff games the last two years. When teams could protect against the blitz or found the right man beater plays, Detroit got burned. We also saw because of how much man coverage Detroit played, in their two playoff losses they gave up 99 yards to the QB's. Sheppard just needs to be versatile and try not to be a hero for this defense to improve. The talent is there, trust them to make plays. Glenn did way too much trying to "beat" you instead of trying to win the down. Defense is about keeping everything in front and getting off the field. If they can throw in some zone looks, some different stunts to help combat some of the deficiencies we have seen, Detroit can be an elite defense.
10. To use a phrase every sportswriter and sports pundit has used, the hunters have become the hunted. They are no longer the scrappy underdogs just trying to fight to respectability. They have won 2 straight division titles, the most regular season wins and two playoff wins with a #1 seed as well the last two years. The city is ready for them to take the next step. Listen to the national media and they will tell you it's over. This was just a two year window, that Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn were once in a lifetime coordinators and the Lions will not be able to survive the constant turnover that is the NFL. What the Lions have built doesn't matter to the national media. They see two tough playoff losses and assume they will go back to the Same Old Lions. This is not that franchise anymore. This team is built through talent, football character and toughness, all leading to their mantra; GRIT. This organization has been planning since 2022 for their coordinators to leave. This organization continues to be smart and ahead of the curve in their player evaluations. The organization has built a foundation for the rest of the decade. There are going to be questions and they are fair. And yes, I'm a Detroit Lion fan that likes my kool-aid to be blue (Honolulu blue to be precise). But I trust and believe in the fabric of this franchise. I believe that Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell are truly elite at what they do. And quite frankly, I think this is the best roster in the NFL with the right mindset to become Super Bowl Champions. I have been a Detroit Lions fan (and a Detroit sports fan) for almost two decades. My entire adult life I have consumed thousands upon thousands of hours of Detroit sports. Whether watching the games, reading articles, watching YouTube videos or remember moments to help me fall asleep, like countless fans do around the world. I have never picked a Detroit sports team to make their championship game. I like to be positive but usually I'm very cautious for season projections with my sports teams. Usually it's tepid optimism. And maybe in (looks at clock, realizes I should go to bed) 18 hours Green Bay beats Detroit by two scores and I look like a ****ing fool. But I have never felt this good about a Detroit sports team. I have never fully bought in like this. Everything about this team gives me a feeling I have truly never experienced before a season; not the Braves or Vols either. This group is going to be special. They are going to be remembered. This organization is ready to accomplish something they have never done before, bringing something to the city of Detroit that has been overdue for decades.
The Detroit Lions will be in Super Bowl LX on February 8th, 2026.
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