So here we are. The Lions are 6-7 and have a chance at making the playoffs. If someone told me this just two months ago, I would have laughed in their face. Two months ago, I watched as the Lions blew another 4th quarter lead vs. the Dolphins. The feeling at Ford Field was the usual. You heard many SOL (same old Lions) chants and lots of Bryce Young talk. The Lions were once again in the depths of the NFL, sitting at 1-6 and in place to receive the first overall pick in the draft. Just another disappointment of a season for the lovable losers. This came on the heels of an offseason filled with optimism. The Lions were widely regarded as having one of the best drafts in the NFL when they took Aiden Hutchinson and Jameson Williams in the first round. There were talks that the Lions got the best defensive and offensive player in the draft. In turn, the Lions got the right to be featured on Hard Knocks on HBO. On Hard Knocks, they got to show off their young talent, and their lovable coaching staff of former players led by Dan Cambell. Expectations were through the roof, literally. The Lions sold out the home opener for the first time in nearly a decade. This optimism did not last for long. The Lions won one of their first seven games, and people called for Dan Cambell’s job. Then, a flip switched.

The Lions are now one of the hottest teams in the league after going 5-1 over their last six games. The Lions have strung together an impressive string of games beating multiple playoff teams in the Giants and the divisional rival, the Vikings. The Detroit Lions are winning big games for the first time in 20 years and they have a real shot at making the playoffs. This team looks nothing like the Lions of old. They are not blowing fourth-quarter leads and they are playing clean, disciplined football. This team does not reflect the mantra of the same old Lions. This is the brand-new Lions. 

Only time will tell if the Lions will make the playoffs, but one thing is for sure. This team is different. No matter what happens in the next month, this season should be seen as a massive improvement. The Detroit Lions are playing meaningful football games in December, and that is truly all that matters. That was the goal of the season, and here we are. Who would have thought?