DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 24: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on September 24, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions achieved a major milestone in their rebuild, making the NFC Championship game while winning the NFC North with a 12-5 record. Detroit’s 2023 draft picks contributed to the magical run: Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 945 yards during the regular season and 144 during the postseason, while Sam LaPorta broke the NFL record for receptions for rookie tight ends with 86. LaPorta caught ten touchdowns, a franchise record for rookies.
Their win over the Los Angeles Rams in the wildcard game marked the Lions’ first playoff victory since 1991, breaking the NFL’s longest winless streak in the playoffs. Detroit defeated Tampa Bay in the divisional round, advancing to the title game for the first time since 1991. Though the Lions led 24-7 at the half, the 49ers stormed back to take the NFC Championship game 34-31.
Looking to build from 2023, Detroit retained vital players, including Donovan-Peoples Jones and Graham Glasgow. Ex-Cincinatti Bengal D.J. Reader was signed to upgrade the defensive tackle spot, while Marcus Davenport was brought in to provide depth to the pass rush. Former Baltimore Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler delivers a boost to the offensive line. Cornerback Carleton Davis was acquired in a trade with the Buccaneers for a third-round pick. Despite these additions, the Lions lost players such as Josh Reynolds, Zach Ertz and C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Alabama corner Terrion Arnold was picked 24th to help the secondary following Cameron Sutton’s release – Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was taken in round two to further add to the secondary.
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The route to replicating 2023’s success is challenging since the Lions’ schedule is 21st, and teams in the NFC North have improved, most notably the Bears and Vikings. Detroit will face eight playoff teams from 2023 to 2024. They played the Rams and Buccaneers in the first two weeks, which are teams they faced last postseason. In addition, the Lions face the Cowboys, Texans, Jaguars, Bills and 49ers while squaring off with the Packers, Vikings and Bears twice.
Coach Dan Campbell has Super Bowl aspirations for his Lions since the roster is a close replica of last year’s. While the Lions are a team to beat, it comes down to how well they live up to high expectations.
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