Can The Detroit Lions Finally Bounce Back?

In Sports, it’s fair to argue that, almost anything is entitled to heated debate. Whether that be, in the NFL, the legitimacy of Matt Ryan’s hall of fame credentials or the current best half back or corner in the game. In the domain of the National Football League much is bound for interpretation, and little is cemented as clear truth. Far from such speculation, however, remains a sorrowful constant of several decades, if not the merging of the ‘Superbowl era’. This, the repetitive failure of the ‘Detroit Lions’. Since 2000, the Lions have bolstered a measly five winning seasons – with only two surpassing 10 wins. During this period, the team achieved the miserable feat of a winless season, somehow with a rookie Calvin Johnson amongst their ranks. Fans haven’t celebrated a playoff win since the Barry Sanders era of the Motor City when Rodney Peete and Erik Kramer laced up at QB. In a league of highs and lows, it’s far from hyperbole to suggest the Lions have seen far more lows than highs. Yet, currently, we reach a crossroads in the franchise’s lengthy history. Like the Bengals post Dalton, Detroit are poised upon a new era post Stafford. The question arises, however: Can they embrace this opportunity for change and turn around, like Cincinnati? Or stumble upon this pivotal hurdle?

First, we should shortly reflect upon the 2021 season. This, the first season beyond Stafford and with Dan Campbell at Head Coach. A disappointing 3-13-1, Detroit’s offense slipped from 20th to 25th whilst the defense jumped from 32nd to 31st. Late into the season, the team stared down the barrel of a franchise second winless season until Campbell’s boys scrapped hard to end the year. On the surface, this is a significantly disappointing year for the new regime but one should consider the lack of, later Superbowl winner, Matt Stafford at the helm with Jared Goff in place. Looking closer, we do notice some bright spots. A slight uptake in carries for D’Andre Swift and the emergence of draft steal - Amon-Ra St. Brown. Their 4th round receiver was somewhat overshadowed by the unholy arrival of Ja’Marr Chase, or even Jaylen Waddle and Davonta Smith, yet St Brown almost boasted a 1,000 yard year in 17 games and only 9 starts. On the other hand, corner Jeff Okudah, missed most of the season for two consecutive years and risks the label of a significant ‘bust’.

The elephant in the room remains at the QB position. Goff, in no situation, is a viable long term Franchise man for the Lions and certainly held the team back with a characteristically average 19-8 touchdown to interception ratio. This position is one the team need to address sooner rather than later if they wish to avoid Quarterback limbo like the Browns before Baker. The situation could be addressed via trade, free agency or draft. During this re-build, Goff might be the single viable short term option, but I would guess they seek a longer term option post 2022 barring a resurgence of the Jared Goff we witnessed during 2018. Perhaps, even, they roll the dice on Marcus Mariota?

Following the Stafford trade, Detroit are loaded with a pair of 1st rounders in both 2022 and 2023. It’s more than likely that we see this long term QB question answered in 2023, outside of this supposedly QB weak 2022 class. Then again, with this weak class, it’s within the realms of possibility that Detroit take a gamble in the second round this year – or even with their 32nd pick retrieved from the Rams. It’s naïve to suggest that Detroit only needs a Quarterback to thrive. With one of the worst defences in the league, the franchise need to capitalise on their 2nd overall choice this year on a defensive heavyweight to anchor that end of the ball. With any improvement keeping teams away from their endzone, the pressure eases on Goff (or whoever stands behind centre in 2022) to chase deficits. Detroit were outscored by 142 points in 2021, the same number as Patricia’s firing year, and certainly must go heavy on defence in this draft – and even free agency, i.e. Calais Campbell. Detroit also have three picks in the seventh which could be utilized to move up or trade for an established depth player. Once more, they have two picks in the third, which could be vital. With the selection of St. Brown, it’s clear this regime have an eye for overseen mid round talent.

The final factor to recognise is the rest of the NFC North. The clear conversation to be had is Aaron Rodgers’ recent extension of four years. If this deal was to see itself to completion, this would put winning the North into serious speculation for near half a decade. Thankfully, a lot can happen in four years and Rodgers’ could possibly regress, or lose some pieces about him. Considering their current state, this pivotal rebuild might only see genuine results within the next three years anyway. That, an optimistic take on Rodgers’ dominance of the North. It’s even more considerable to assume he retains dominance and forces Detroit’s playoff hopes into a Wildcard opportunity. So, let’s take a look at the other teams.

Chicago are in a similar state of limbo as Detroit. Yes, they are seemingly the better team but only by a margin. The Bears don’t have the same draft capital as Detroit and have recently lost their best player, Khalil Mack, in a questionable trade. Once more, with Allen Robinson gone, the team lacks any true pass catching options for Fields aside from Darnell Mooney. If Detroit draft well, Chicago could temporarily take the Lions’ spot as perennial last place losers of the North. But what about Minnesota? With new head coach Kevin O’Connell taking over after the Mike Zimmer era, we have the man arguably partially responsible for Cooper Kupp’s tremendous 2021 outing now leading an offense riddled with potential. Like the Rams, Minnesota are led by two premier receivers in Jefferson and Thielen, whilst spearheaded with Dalvin Cook’s fierce rushing attack. All this, with the return of Kirk Cousins after an impressive, and frankly underspoken, year in which he passed for over 4200 yards and 33 touchdowns. Staggering this sleeping giant might be difficult and the Vikings are certainly a team to watch for the coming years. It’s arguable that they could become the next surprise team like Bengals of 2021 or the Eagles of 2017. Within three or so years, I doubt their power will be stunned and the Lions might need to contend hard with the Purple for their rightful spot as Green Bay’s biggest threat. That said, it’s beyond ludicrous to suggest that Detroit utilise these draft and free agent opportunities to rival Minnesota. An angle to see it might be to consider that Detroit’s superstars are yet to come. Help is on the way.

Considering the recent troubles of Detroit, it’s quite easy to assume that improvement is inevitable. After all, you can’t often stray worse than worst. Even the Browns eventually bounced back following a questionable rebuild which seems to have now lingered toward failure – following the departure of OBJ and, soon, Landry. The issue remains that big time free agents seem to have little interest in Detroit over winning teams. In this era of ‘ring chasing’, a team like Detroit might find it difficult to seek big time talent through the free agent market. Rob Gronkowski famously retired rather than suit up for Detroit via trade. One must take keen notice of the 2022 and 2023 draft, and hope Detroit select well. Given careful and fortuitous selection, it’s quite likely their luck might change. Whilst I find it unlikely that Detroit will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy anytime soon, it’s fair to suggest they could see a slight improvement which may blossom into a playoff berth nearing 2024. If they make the most of their opportunities, and find a reliable franchise Quarterback, they may even be poised to rival Green Bay post Aaron Rodgers. Albeit, that role is under close competition with the more likely Minnesota Vikings.