Lions fans have much to look forward to

After a disappointing season in 2021 that ended with a 3-13-1 record, the Detroit Lions and their fans had little to look forward to. There were a number of questions surrounding the roster and coaching staff after Dan Campbell, a first-year head coach, failed to make many visible improvements to the product on the field.

During the offseason, however, some of the moves made by the Lions’ general manager, Brad Holmes, were getting fans excited. Key free agents like D.J. Chark, Isaiah Buggs, and DeShon Elliot were signed at thin position groups.

Offensive play-calling duties were handed to Ben Johnson, a newly promoted offensive coordinator (O.C.), after parting ways with former O.C. Anthony Lynn. Additionally, the second overall pick earned from Detroit’s lackluster 2021, allowed Holmes to add Aidan Hutchinson, a highly-rated defensive end out of Michigan, to a defensive unit that desperately needed another pass-rusher.

Leading up to the 2022 season, there had never been so much national attention focused on the Detroit Lions. There were expectations suddenly put on a young team, especially due to their appearance on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” in August. Even Lions fans were optimistic heading into Week 1, which was almost guaranteed to dissipate after a few games.

Of course, that’s exactly what happened to the Detroit Lions and their fans after a 1-6 record through eight weeks of the season. Despite losing in several close games and scoring points like a top-five offense, these Lions seemed hopeless. Defense continued to be a lingering issue from the prior season, as did untimely turnovers from their quarterback, Jared Goff, and questionable head coaching decisions at the end of games.

Unlikely as it may have been, however, Dan Campbell and his team were able to salvage their season. After almost two years of trying to instill values in his team like grit, discipline and hope, he finally got his guys to believe.

The defense stepped up over Detroit’s final ten games, along with several rookies who proved their worth, which sparked the entire team and gave the offense more time to catch their breath. Offensively, Jared Goff, Jamaal Williams, and Amon-Ra St. Brown looked like stars, while the offensive line protected at an elite level.

The Detroit Lions finished the 2022 campaign on an 8-2 run, capping it off with a primetime victory over the Green Bay Packers that eliminated their divisional rival from the playoffs. Despite only barely missing out on the final playoff spot themselves, the Lions and their fans should consider this one of their most successful seasons.

For all the headaches that this franchise and its fans have gone through since its inception, they will surely never forget the ten-week stretch in 2022 where the Lions played the most entertaining football they ever have.