In the 2023 NFL season the Detroit Lions will have their greatest season of all time. The Detroit Lions have been a poverty franchise for the last 30 years, but for the first time since 1993, the Lions are predicted to win their division. They’re currently the betting favorites across all platforms to be the NFC North division champs, guaranteeing them a playoff spot, and an opportunity to win their first playoff game since 1991. This is largely due to the impact of Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell, and the new group of talented young players on the team.
Brad Holmes is the new GM of the Lions since 2021 and is mostly in charge of drafting and free agency. Matt Miller, a draft analyst for ESPN, “is just as impressed with Holmes’ late-round prowess as he is with him getting it right with the early picks”. He also mentioned how he was a huge fan of the decisions Brad has made. This is not just the opinion of one analyst but the general opinion on Holmes’s impact on the Lions’ future success. Not only has Brad Holmes impressed with draft choices, but with great free agency moves. The Lions had the worst pass defense last season. This led to Brad deciding to pick up CJ Gardner Johnson and Cam Sutton, two consistent and great defensive players, both from organizations that are used to winning. Upon asking a long-time Lions fan about the optimism about the upcoming season he said, “I’m absolutely ecstatic about the possible future success of the Lions in the years to come and believe that it’s largely due to the movement in the front office”. Dan Campbell is one of those front office moves. He became the Lions’ head coach and had an immediate impact, and this is another huge reason for the Lions’ predicted success. Dan Campbell has brought about an incredible energy change and shift in the effort of every Lions player. Campbell has multiple famous quotes that captivate his attitude towards the game of football and the impact of his attitude has been immense. Another fan had this to say about Dan Campbell’s energy, “Dan’s attitude and beliefs is simply contagious and I think it’s completely changed the lion’s culture. His no-nonsense, bite-their-kneecaps mindset and infectious energy will play a critical role throughout the Lions’ season regardless of their success.
Another reason for the predicted success is the drafting of players by the Lions in recent years. They’ve managed to accumulate multiple phenomenal young talents that will be paramount to their success this season. Amon Ra St. Brown is the best among this group. He set the rookie receptions record for the Lions, and is already regarded as one of the best slot receivers in the league at 23 years old. The Lions also have two young standout players on the D-line. Aidan Hutchinson the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 draft who recorded 9 sacks and 3 interceptions finishing second for the DROTY award. The other is James Houston IV who was an absolute steal in the 6th round. James went to JSU under Coach Prime and when he got his opportunity late in the season he did more than prove that he deserved a spot on the roster getting 8 sacks in 9 games. By far one of the best starts to a rookie’s career ever in the NFL and easily the best out of a 6th-round pick. Ultimately, the Lions have made fans of the entire NFL and are anticipated to have their first good season in a very long time.