The Detroit Lions have undergone a remarkable transformation in the past three years, evolving from one of the NFL’s perennial underperformers into one of the NFC’s elite teams. This evolution culminated in an impressive 2023 season, where the Lions clinched the NFC North title for the first time in decades, marking an extraordinary turnaround for the franchise.
Rising from the Ashes
The 2023 season was a watershed moment for the Lions. The team not only secured the NFC North title but also made a notable playoff run. For the first time since 1991, the Lions won a playoff game, reviving the hopes and dreams of a fanbase that had long been starved of postseason success. The thrilling journey nearly extended to the ultimate stage, as the Lions came close to securing a spot in the Super Bowl after their performance in the NFC Championship Game.
Leadership Behind the Revival
The significant turnaround is largely credited to head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. Their leadership and strategic decisions have been pivotal in building a competitive team capable of contending at the highest level. Campbell’s motivational prowess and Holmes’ eye for talent have synergized to reshape the Lions into a formidable force.
Interestingly, some of the foundation for this revival was laid before Campbell and Holmes took charge. Former head coach Matt Patricia and ex-general manager Bob Quinn played a part in assembling key components of the team. Patricia’s tenure, which began in 2018 and ended in mid-2020, saw the drafting of center Frank Ragnow in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Ragnow has since become a cornerstone of the Lions' offensive line, providing stability and strength in one of the most critical areas of football.
Building the Offensive Line
The Lions' offensive line has been an essential part of their recent success. Ragnow’s impact, combined with the presence of Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow, provided a solid base. Although Glasgow was not re-signed by Patricia and Quinn in 2019, the Lions continued to invest in their front five. After Patricia’s departure, the team added Penei Sewell through the draft and Kevin Zeitler via free agency. These additions have fortified the line, ensuring that the Lions' quarterbacks have the protection needed to execute effectively.
Bill Belichick, a seasoned head coach and one of Patricia’s mentors, acknowledged the foundational work done by Patricia. Speaking on the "Let's Go" podcast, Belichick 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." This recognition underscores the collaborative effort over different regimes that have contributed to the Lions' current prowess.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Lions' journey from underperformers to contenders is a testament to strategic leadership and effective team-building. Under the guidance of Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, and with contributions from past leaders like Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn, the Lions have constructed a team that can compete with the best. With a solid offensive line and a resilient squad, the Detroit Lions have set a new standard for success and have invigorated their loyal fans.
As the Lions continue to build on their recent success, the collaboration and vision shown by their leadership will be critical. The groundwork laid in past years and the strategic add-ons in recent times have poised the Lions for sustained success. The future looks promising for Detroit, as the team strives to convert their near Super Bowl miss into a championship reality.