Lions finish off an exciting season

By Gabe Goode STAFF REPORTER

Brand. New. Lions. That's the motto that has seemingly changed the view of the Detroit Lions franchise. In previous years, fans would often say “same old Lions” as they blew another fourth quarter lead. This year, however, things have changed. Under second-year head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have turned a new leaf and have become one of the most dangerous teams in the league. With a new locker room culture, a new offensive coordinator and front office success, the Lions look poised to turn this team into a division contender the following season.

The culture surrounding the team since the 2021 season has changed around the Lions organization, especially with new general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. In Campbell’s opening press conference, he said, “we’re going to bite a kneecap off” making the statement that the Lions would be a scrappy team that would give it their all.

That grit and determination seemed to pay off later this season. After the Lions started 1-6, many fans figured this team would not compete for the playoffs, but for the first overall pick. Instead, the Lions rattled off several wins against better opponents by playing a brand of football that outworked their opponents, typically by going for it on fourth down. They were the team to beat.

That hustle, however, can only come with good coaching to accompany it. After three seasons with the Lions, new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson made a seemingly unimpressive team one of the best offensive teams in football, scoring at least 30 points in eight games. Coming up with playcalls that seem aggressive, yet effective. In a pivotal game against the Vikings, on third and seven, they decided to throw to their offensive lineman, Penei Sewell, to pick up the first down and ice the game in their dash into the playoff hunt.

The success that the Lions have had would likely not have been possible without the smart front office moves, especially in the later rounds in the draft. 2021 fourth round pick Amon-Ra St. Brown, has quickly become quarterback Jared Goff’s primary target. In the 2022 draft, they took Aiden Hutchinson with the second overall pick, and while he has been as advertised, sixth round picks Malcom Rodriguez and James Houston, have been large contributors to the Lions defense, especially Houston, who recorded eight sacks in just seven games. He has taken on the nickname, “Da Problem.”

The Lions look to be a tough and successful team in the coming future and with this coaching staff and young players. The sky is the limit for these Brand New Lions.