Over the past three years, the Detroit Lions have gone from one of the NFL's perennial underperformers to one of the NFC's elite teams. This transformation culminated in an impressive 2023 season where the Lions clinched the NFC North title for the first time in decades and made a remarkable playoff run. Their progress peaked when they won their first playoff game since 1991, before coming tantalizingly close to securing a spot in the Super Bowl after the NFC Championship Game.
The Leadership Change
Much of the Lions' resurgence can be attributed to the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. The duo took the reins of a floundering franchise and turned it into a contender. Campbell's fiery passion and Holmes's astute roster management have given the Lions a fresh identity built on resilience and efficiency.
Prior to this new regime, the Lions had struggled under head coach Matt Patricia, who began his tenure in 2018 but was relieved of his duties in mid-2020. Patricia, along with former general manager Bob Quinn, made some significant moves, such as drafting center Frank Ragnow in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Ragnow has since become a cornerstone of the Lions' offensive line, providing a stable presence in a unit that has been crucial to the Lions' recent successes.
Building a Robust Offensive Line
The foundation for the Lions' offensive line was laid well before Campbell and Holmes took over. In addition to Ragnow, the team already had Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow on their roster. However, Glasgow was not re-signed by Patricia and Quinn in 2019, a decision that could have potentially disrupted the line's cohesion.
After Patricia's departure, the Lions made key additions to their offensive line through the draft and free agency. Notably, they drafted Penei Sewell, who has quickly shown signs of becoming a stalwart on the line, and signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who brought experience and stability. These moves have fortified the offensive line, enabling more consistent protection for the quarterback and improved production on the field.
Recognitions and Reflections
The contributions of Patricia are not lost on the football community. In a recent episode of the "Let's Go" podcast, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick commented on the Lions' offensive line rebuild, stating, "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."
Belichick's recognition underscores that while the current success of the Detroit Lions is largely attributed to Campbell and Holmes, the groundwork laid by Patricia and Quinn played an essential role in shaping the team's future. The drafting of Frank Ragnow and other foundational players set the stage for Campbell's more recent accomplishments.
As the Lions continue their ascendancy, the credit must be shared between different eras of leadership. It is this web of strategic decisions, from drafting key players to making smart trades and signings, that has propelled the Lions into their current position.
The Future
The 2023 season was just the beginning for a franchise that has longed for a return to glory. With a solid core of players and visionary leadership, the Detroit Lions have positioned themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NFC. As they build on the momentum of their recent successes, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if the Lions can continue their trajectory and finally make a Super Bowl appearance.
The transformation of the Detroit Lions serves as a testament to the power of strategic planning, skilled leadership, and a relentless drive for improvement. While the journey is far from over, the Lions have already shown that they are ready to roar in the coming seasons.