Over the past three years, the Detroit Lions have undergone a remarkable transformation. Once known for their consistent underperformance, the Lions have emerged as one of the NFC's elite teams, a journey culminating in an impressive 2023 season. This newfound success can largely be attributed to the strategic vision of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.
A Historic Season
The 2023 season will be remembered as a defining year in the history of the Detroit Lions. This was the season where the team clinched the NFC North title for the first time in decades, a significant milestone that marked their ascension to the top tier of the conference. The Lions’ playoff run was equally remarkable, seeing them win their first playoff game since 1991, a victory that rekindled the hopes of their long-suffering fan base.
Their impressive journey continued as they came tantalizingly close to securing a spot in the Super Bowl, falling just short in the NFC Championship Game. This near-miss only served to underscore the progress the team has made and set high expectations for the future.
The Architects of Change
The turnaround of the Lions can be credited to the dynamic leadership of Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes. Together, they have reshaped the roster, instilling a culture of toughness and resilience that has permeated the team. Their efforts have particularly paid off in building a formidable offensive line, a crucial element of the team's success.
Commenting on the evolution of the Lions’ offensive line, Bill Belichick remarked on the "Let's Go" podcast, "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."
Building Blocks
Interestingly, some of the foundation stones of this renaissance were laid during the tenure of former head coach Matt Patricia and former general manager Bob Quinn. It was under their regime that the Lions drafted center Frank Ragnow in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Ragnow has since developed into a cornerstone of the Lions' offensive line, providing stability and leadership.
Patricia and Quinn also oversaw the presence of key players like Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow before their departure in mid-2020. Although Glasgow was not re-signed by the duo in 2019, the drafting of Ragnow proved to be a lasting positive impact from their era.
New Additions
After Patricia's departure, the Lions continued to bolster their offensive line with strategic additions. Penei Sewell, a highly-touted draft pick, and Kevin Zeitler, acquired through free agency, have both significantly strengthened Detroit's front five. These acquisitions have provided the Lions with the tools needed to protect their quarterback and establish a dominant running game.
A Bright Future
Looking ahead, the future seems bright for the Detroit Lions. The combination of a solidified offensive line, a resilient team culture, and a clear vision from their head coach and general manager sets the stage for continued success. The near miss in the NFC Championship Game may well become a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block, fueling the team’s drive for glory in the seasons to come.
The Detroit Lions' journey from underperformers to top contenders is a testament to the power of strategic leadership and effective team-building. As they continue to build on their recent achievements, the Lions are poised to remain a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.