Which factors have contributed most to the Detroit Lions’ recent success?
For the Pride of Detroit Direct newsletter, Jon Ledyard wrote the piece. Matt Warren made some small edits and adjustments.
Hats out to the Detroit Lions. They’ve accomplished something many didn’t think was possible: they’ve transformed one of the NFL’s star-crossed teams into one of the top groups in the league. As the third seed in the NFC, the Lions will host a playoff game after securing the NFC North for the first time ever.
What are the main causes of the Lions’ recent success? In my post, I discussed Detroit’s emergence as a competitive force in 2023 for three key reasons.
The drafting of Brad Holmes
The Lions were a shambles when general manager Brad Holmes replaced Bob Quinn in 2021. Apart from T.J. Hockenson and Jonah Jackson, the 2019 and 2020 drafts have been a complete bust.
Actually, only two players from the four drafts that took place before Holmes joined the team, Frank Ragnow and Jackson, have had a beneficial impact on the Lions’ season. With nearly nothing to start with, Holmes went on to create one of the best three-year draft runs in recent memory.
One of the top right tackles in the NFL today, Penei Sewell, was selected by Holmes with the seventh overall pick in 2021. As the emotional and outspoken captain of the attack, Sewell has represented the ferocity and aggression that have characterized the contemporary Detroit Lions.
While Levi Onwuzurike, a second-round pick, has struggled with injuries, the remainder of that draft class has been outstanding.
This season, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu has emerged as a standout performer after being elevated to the starting lineup, defensive end Alim McNeill has emerged as a breakout star, and Amon-Ra St. Brown has tied for second place in the NFL in catches while earning a berth on the All-Pro team.
After an outstanding third season, the team’s other fourth-round selection, Derrick Barnes, has emerged as one of the league’s more reliable off-ball linebackers.
Although it hasn’t had as much of an impact, the 2022 class appears to be a strong draft. Although he isn’t a top-tier edge defender, Aidan Hutchinson has shown growth in his second season and is unquestionably the Lions’ greatest pass rusher. That front would be in serious trouble without him.
Aaron Glenn’s defense is distinguished by his physicality and motor skills. Hutchinson is one of the players who most embodies the values that a club wishes to uphold.
Kerby Joseph, a third-round selection, led the team with four interceptions. His more consistent play following a few midseason missteps has been invaluable to the Lions defense in Chauncey Gardner-Johnson’s absence.
Though hampered by injuries, Jameson Williams’s stealthy ascent to prominence in December was fascinating to follow. Despite having a different temperament than many athletes Detroit has selected over Holmes’ tenure, he is finally seeming to be more committed and is performing as a result.
He is blocking, making difficult receptions in the center of the field, and—perhaps most importantly—appearing to be a serious threat after the catch.
The rookie class this year has a very real chance of surpassing the previous two classes. At their respective positions, three of the team’s first four selections are already among the greatest players in the league.
Sam LaPorta almost broke many NFL records for rookie tight ends in a variety of categories during his first season because of his insanely crazy contested catches.
Brian Branch has shown himself to be a formidable slot cornerback who excels in run defense and can play any coverage scheme at a high level during passing downs.
Oh, and he’s also a fantastic liar. Defensively, he’s a playmaker in a league that lacks enough of them.
And Jahmyr Gibbs, the top choice?In Week 16, he delivered one of the NFL season’s highlights, taking a man by the soul.
Gibbs’ season totals on the ground included 10 touchdowns and 945 yards gained. With each carry, he’s averaging over 5.2 yards. When he has the ball in his hands, I believe he is already among the league’s most dangerous players.
Even Jack Campbell, the team’s second-round pick this year, has performed admirably when put in a pinch. Holmes is as close to a 1.000 in the draft as any general manager can be. His exceptional talent spotting, roster building, and foresight have swiftly elevated the Lions to the top of the NFL. That is the single most crucial element in their success.
The influence of Dan Campbell
That kind of hit percentage doesn’t happen unless coaches are developing guys like crazy, notwithstanding how well Holmes has drafted. Nearly every player who has stayed with the Lions or assimilated into the team culture under Dan Campbell has improved. There is certainly proof everywhere. Great teachers made up Campbell’s coaching team, and the results are evident across the squad.
Something more than just player development distinguishes Campbell as a superb coach. It’s also the decisions he makes while playing.
Who would have guessed that a non-play caller would be such a great head coach when it came to making tactical decisions? During games, Campbell has constantly found ways to give his team an advantage by being aggressive while facing fourth down, particularly when the opposition is inside their 40.
He believes that his defense will get stops when the offense is unable to convert, that his offense will succeed when faced with fourth-and-manageable scenarios, and that he detests settling for field goals. This season, it has paid off handsomely thus far.
The Lions had the second-most fourth-down attempts of the season, only behind the Panthers, who were always trailing.
Even though their conversion rate is only about league average, Campbell still has faith in the process since he is aware of the metrics that support aggressiveness. A good procedure will almost always produce good results. And this season, very few teams have performed better than the Lions.
Goff, Jared
The fact that the Lions have made a comeback without having a world-class quarterback is among their most amazing achievements. But calling Goff trash is not the same as acknowledging that he is not a great player. The signal-caller for the Lions, a former first overall choice who many thought was unable to play without Sean McVay in his ear, was somewhat shamefully cut loose by the Rams.
But Goff has flipped that narrative on its head, playing one of the best seasons of his career in 2023. Given his advancements throughout his three years in Detroit, the 29-year-old has unquestionably established himself as one of the top 15-20 quarterbacks in the game.
In addition to having the best adjusted completion percentage and the second-fastest time to throw of his career, Goff also has the lowest percentage of plays that should be reviewed.
Probably most crucially, Goff hasn’t been fired too often. This season, Detroit’s quarterback has only been taken down four times, compared to only four other teams.
Since Goff is obviously not elusive, he routinely makes rapid judgments from the pocket and maintains mental acuity to prevent these negative plays. His proficiency with the attack and appropriate defense-setting also aid.
Is Goff talented enough to lead his team to the championship game? Obtain a Super Bowl victory. That is still to be determined. Although he still has limitations compared to quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Pat Mahomes, he is one of the best when it comes to playing in a structured offense.
