Over the past three years, the Detroit Lions have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from one of the NFL’s perennial underperformers into a powerhouse in the NFC. This turnaround came to a head during the 2023 season, which saw the Lions clinch the NFC North title for the first time in decades. This victory was just the beginning of their impressive journey that year.
A Season to Remember
The Lions' 2023 season will be remembered as one of the most successful in the franchise's recent history. Their remarkable playoff run culminated in their first playoff win since 1991, a victory that ended a long-standing drought and brought newfound excitement to their dedicated fan base. The thrill continued as the team came tantalizingly close to securing a spot in the Super Bowl, narrowly missing out after a hard-fought NFC Championship Game.
The Campbell-Holmes Effect
Much of the credit for this turnaround has been attributed to head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. Since joining the team, Campbell and Holmes have instilled a new culture and vision, steering the Lions back on course and into elite territory within the NFC. Their leadership and strategic decision-making have proven instrumental to the team’s success.
Reflecting on the Campbell-Holmes era, it's clear that their impact is multi-faceted. From player development to strategic acquisitions and draft picks, their holistic approach has created a robust foundation for the Lions. This synergy is now bearing fruit as the team enjoys sustained success.
Building Blocks
Key to the Lions' resurgence has been the solidifying of their offensive line, a strategy that found its roots even before Campbell and Holmes took over. Matt Patricia’s tenure as head coach started in 2018 and ended in mid-2020. Despite his struggles, Patricia, along with former general manager Bob Quinn, made some crucial decisions that have positively impacted the current roster.
One such decision was drafting center Frank Ragnow in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Ragnow has since become a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line, playing a vital role in protecting the quarterback and opening up the running game.
Even before Patricia’s arrival, the team had already acquired key players like Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. Although Glasgow was not re-signed by Patricia and Quinn in 2019, the foundation for a formidable offensive line was laid. The efforts made before Campbell and Holmes stepped in were noted by many, including Bill Belichick, who commented 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."
Key Additions
Campbell and Holmes built upon this foundation by making significant additions, such as drafting Penei Sewell and signing free agent Kevin Zeitler. Both moves have bolstered the offensive line, providing stability and versatility that have translated into tangible results on the field. The combination of veteran experience and youthful energy has made the Lions' offensive line one of the most formidable units in the league.
Looking Ahead
The Lions’ journey from underperformers to NFC elites is a testament to effective leadership, smart acquisitions, and the successful integration of young talent with seasoned veterans. As the team looks forward, maintaining this momentum will be key to their sustained success. The foundation laid by previous regimes, coupled with the strategic brilliance of the current coaching staff and management, offers a promising blueprint for the future.