Is the Lions Super Bowl Window Closed?
The Detroit Lions are coming off one of their most impressive seasons in franchise history. They would break multiple franchise records by going 15-2 and winning their division for the second time in a row. Detroit would have the most wins in a single season, the most points scored in a single season with 564, and go undefeated on the road for the first time in their history. Unfortunately for the Lions, this would all halt in the divisional round of the playoffs, where the Washington Commanders would end their season. Many fans and people around the NFL now beg the question: did the Lions' window to winning a Super Bowl close?
Looking ahead to next season for the Motor City, it will be a bit of a different look. The Lions have lost eight of their assistant coaches this off-season, including both coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, who left for head coaching jobs. They would also lose their cornerback, Carlton Davis, who would sign with the New England Patriots for a three-year, $60 million contract. The Lions are also coming off one of the worst seasons in terms of injuries, with 16 players going on IR throughout the year, including defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. While both players will return this season, it’s unknown if they’ll look the way they did before their injuries. Despite the major shift in coaching, they’ll have this year and the questions they have about returning players from injury, Lions fans may still be able to feel confident in their ability to chase a Super Bowl.
Detroit will still have major stars returning this season, many of whom are coming off their best season in the NFL. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 4,629 yards and 37 touchdowns for a 111.8 passer rating. Their star running back, Jahmyr Gibbs, would rush for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns, marking himself as one of the league's best. They would also get another successful season out of their wide receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, who had a career-high 12 touchdowns. This all comes with a returning head coach, Dan Campbell, who may have lost his assistant coaches but is still the heart and soul of Detroit. While their playoff loss to the Commanders felt like a blow to any future success, the Lions still have all the talent in the world to get back to where they were and make a stronger run for a championship. With the NFL Draft now only weeks away, the Lions will have the opportunity to once again build new stars through their picks to help them reach their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
