For the first time in 30 years, the Detroit Lions finally win the division. 30 years ago when the Lions won it all it was the NFC Central when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers use to be in it, now it’s the NFC North where it’s just the Lions, Bears, Packers and Vikings. I predicted that the Lions would win the NFC North and I was right. When Aaron Rodgers got traded from the Packers to the Jets, the Pack would take a step back, Vikings yes won the division during the 2022-23 season but I had a feeling they were going to regress the next season while the Bears were in a middle of a rebuild. In 2022-23 the Lions just missed the Playoffs by 1 game as they finished the season 9-8 where they head into the off season with so much momentum. My favorite Lions win from the 2022 season was the last game where they were eliminated from playoff contention because the Seattle Seahawks won earlier in the day but they went into Lambeau Field and knocked off the Packers to prevent them from going to the playoffs which was awesome.
The Detroit Lions 2023 Draft Class produced some really good rookies from Jahmyr Gibbs to form a nice 1-2 punch with David Montgomery at running back, linebacker Jack Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch. I can’t believe Branch fell into the second round where he had first round grade as the Lions got a steal. Yes I was critical of the Lions taking running back Jahmyr Gibbs with their first pick in the first round but he has really produced in his rookie season. The Lions have a good mixture of good young talent and seasoned veterans. Lions were returning most of their starters including quarterback Jared Goff as the Lions were ready to capture the NFC North.
The Lions got to play in the NFL Kickoff game on Thursday night at the Kansas City Chiefs who were the defending super bowl champions and the Lions won the game 21-20. Yes I know the Chiefs were missing star tight end Travis Kelce due to a knee injury and defensive tackle Chris due to a contract dispute but give the Lions credit for handing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs a week 1 loss. When the Lions won that game I had a feeling this was special Lions team. Lions were off to a flying start and never looked back
From Quarterback Jared Goff to the 1-2 punch at running back with Gibbs and Montgomery who signed with the Lions during the off season who was previously with the Chicago Bears to stud wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams at WR, rookie stud tight end to Sam LaPorta and one of the best offensive lines in all of football led by right tackle Penei Sewell the Lions had one of the most explosive offenses in all of football. Lions defense is very young but definitely played better this season even though they still gave up explosive plays against the pass. I really like pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson who is in the second year out of Michigan along with Alim McNeil on the defensive line while Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell are a really good linebacker duo. Lions secondary has some really good young pieces in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch at safety as the Lions defense continues to get better.
On this Christmas Eve earlier today the Lions won at the Vikings to win the NFC North 30-24 as Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu got the game sealing interception as history was made as the Lions win the division for the first time in 30 years where they will host a playoff game on wildcard weekend for the first time ever at Ford Field. Give credit to Owner Shelia Ford Hamp who took over ownership from her aging mother Martha Ford and has finally turned the Lions into a winner. Also give credit to GM Brad Holmes for turning this roster into a really good one and Head Coach Dan Campbell. The Lions still have a chance at the top seed where they could use a first round bye as 2 more big games loom one at the Dallas Cowboys this Saturday night and the following weekend at home against the Minnesota Vikings, lets see what happens on the final two weeks of the season as this Lions team is for real and they are just getting started.