You can still root for the Lions, just don’t get your hopes up.
Posted initially to Delta Collegiate, Sept 13th, 2023
The 2022 Lions didn’t just finish 9-8, they started the year 1-6 and won 8 of their final 10 games. They also swept the Aaron Rodgers led Packers, who have been crowned kings of the NFC North for the past decade.
There were some very low times in 2022, like getting blown out a few times. However, the Lions made significant improvements over the offseason, and believe it or not, they are favored to win the divison this year. After a rough start to the Dan Campbell era in 2021, things are finally looking up in the Motor City. Next season, I can see their wins and losses happening in the opposite way as this season with them going on a hot streak to start but inevitably falling apart around late October. My prediction for this season is a record of 9-8…again.
The optimism for the Lions being great this 2023 season starts with their offense. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson deserves a statue. Wide receiver Jameson Williams only played one game last season and is now suspended for the first six games of the season this year for getting caught participating in sports gambling. Amon-Ra St. Brown had an outstanding season last year and is looking like the franchise's wide receiver for years to come. The team will miss Jamall Williams and the 17 touchdowns he ran for last season, but their new rookie running back, Jahmir Gibbs and free agent pickup, David Montgomery, will be a two-headed monster behind the Lions’ offensive line, which is one of the best o-lines in the league. Second-year right tackle Penei Sewell anchors the line and is looking like a future captain and pro bowler for many years to come.
Jared Goff receives a lot of unnecessary hate from local fans and media, which is understandable. From an eye test, he appears skinny and is not built like a typical football player, but Goff ranks in the top five in every major quarterback statistic. He can undoubtedly “sling the rock” and lead a team to a Super Bowl. He’s done it before with his previous team before Detroit. It looks like he lost that game and never recovered from the loss. Goff was a top-five QB in the league on a well-rounded and coached team. His situation in Los Angeles reached a point where his turnovers were costing games, including playoff games. Goff lacks the “it” factor for the Lions, but his veteran presence and leadership should help cultivate a winning culture, which the Lions haven’t had for hundreds of years.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson deserves a statue. They can score ALL day, but their defense was ranked near the bottom of the league in every single category last season. With additions this offseason, such as rookie linebacker Jack Campbell and veteran DB Cam Sutton, they seem to be heading in the right direction. The unit as a whole will still be compared to Swiss cheese, as they ultimately lack depth and talent. The only bright spot on their defense is second-year defensive end and hometown hero Aiden Hutchison, who only got better and better as last season went on and could very well be the best player on the whole team.
If their defense had just held their opponents to under 30 points 4 more times last season, they would’ve finished the season 13-4 and made the playoffs.
