I tend towards pessimism when looking at the Detroit Lions. Historically, they have disappointed me time and time again. Somehow, I keep coming back. I come back seeking a reward for my patience and loyalty to one of pro sports' most underwhelming franchises. I've always been a Lions fan, just like my father and his father. We've always lamented the futility, but the Lions have shown something I've never seen before this season. The Lions showed resiliency. Every time there is a decent Lions team, the adversity hits, and they crumble. It's like an expectation of "when will it come" and not "will it come."
This year, the first sign of "same old Lions" came against the Minnesota Vikings. We had a chance to improve to 2-1 and defeat a division rival on the road. Some poor decision-making led to the 4th quarter collapse. It was a story Lions fans had seen before. They knew the lines of this play and watched as it unfolded predictably.
The following week, the Lions lost another close game to Seattle (one that turned out to be more than trivial). Another familiar refrain for Lions fans. The offense was stellar, but the defense stunk. Sometimes, the defense is stellar, and the offense stinks, but the point is "typical."
Then the Lions did the most Lions thing ever. A game that could represent a salvage of the season against the New England Patriots became a laugher. The defense continued to perform poorly, and the offense joined it. At this point, I, dear Lions fans, lost all hope for the Dan Campbell regime. I've seen it before. This kind of game has the demoralizing effect of, "we'll do better next year" or worse, "this is who we are." It felt that way. The losses to Dallas and Miami seemingly confirmed it.
The Lions had shown promising signs, but it wasn't translating to wins. I've seen this glimmer of hope before. It isn't easy to trust it. The Lions were 1-6. Moral victories mean nothing. If they meant something, the Lions would be the most incredible team in the history of the NFL. To change the culture, the Lions need to win games. The Lions beat Green Bay en route to a 9-8 season. The Lions finished 5-1 in the division. That's more important than a moral victory. The Lions defeated playoff teams and playoff hopefuls (Packers, Vikings, Jets, Giants, and Jaguars).
The 8-2 finish has one major blemish: the loss to the Panthers on Christmas Eve. The Lions felt destined for a miraculous turnaround and playoff push, but they came out flat against the Panthers. They looked like the "same old Lions." I had fallen for the trap. I thought something was different, and like Charlie Brown, I had the football pulled out from underneath me. The loss was devastating.
But something is different in Detroit. The "same old Lions" would have packed it in for the year—their second such opportunity. The Lions responded to the loss with a dominating win against the Bears. So, there was still a chance at the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Seahawks won their last two games, making it impossible for the Lions to make the playoffs.
However, the last game of the season, seemingly irrelevant, had something to it. The Packers could still make the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers spent the season's final weeks taking jabs at the Lions. Here it was, the Lions' last chance to give up on the season and lie down. I almost expected it. But they didn't. They fought. They won. The Dan Campbell era is here. The "Brand New Lions" might be real. We've seen the signs and had reasons for doubt. Any Lions fan who isn't skeptical is delusional, but this team may have something to say.
We're seeing signs of winning big games, responding to losses, and avoiding the devastating creative losses of the past. The offense looks phenomenal. The defense still has a ways to go, but they made strides. The Lions' defense is young, but several players could develop, creating an elite defense. If the Lions continue to develop their young talent, draft well, and add a couple of veteran pieces, they should be shooting for more than a Wild Card spot next season. The Lions look like the best team in the NFC North.
This season could be the most elaborate of rouses to destroy my expectations. But, maybe, for once, there is a reason for optimism in Detroit.