A tragic comedy of a playoff loss.
The departure of seven coaches, including both coordinators.
The sudden retirement of an All-Pro center.
The stark reality of the salary cap.
A schedule from Hell.
News from training camp, just before the team stepped onto the field for the first practice, that a key part of an already thin defensive line is out for the season.
Since the Lions completed their record-shattering 15-2 regular season, it’s been one issue after another. Some were expected; others not at all. But each falls under the category of Gut Punch. As a result, the euphoria that welcomed the Lions for training camp the last two seasons has been replaced by growing skepticism.
What’s been forgotten in this groundswell is how much they return.
The Lions aren’t a bad football team. They are not average. At minimum, the Lions are a very good football team featuring as much elite talent as any NFL roster. While the Lions’ system and character is being tested, there is no reason to believe they are going to fall off a cliff in 2025.
Because of a horrible performance against the Commanders in the playoffs, quarterback Jared Goff is being dismissed. Yeah, he has cracks in his armor. They could be more exposed with the core of the offensive line decidedly thinner after losing Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler.
But Goff has elite weapons. Jahmyr Gibbs is easily among the top handful of NFL running backs, and has unlikely peaked. His evasiveness and the return of David Montgomery from injury will reunite the NFL’s best outside-in duo. The interior offensive line can’t be a total disaster, but should be aided by such a formidable tandem of backs. The tackles, Taylor Decker and especially Penei Sewell, are among the league’s best.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams represent a talented and balanced pass-catching group.
On defense, Aidan Hutchinson is back. The idea that he is damaged goods doesn’t equate to the data about his injury. Versatile linebacker Derrick Barnes has also returned from injury.
Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are elite NFL defenders, and linebacker Jack Campbell is trending in that direction. D.J. Reed should be an upgrade from Carleton Davis III at cornerback, and it can be anticipated that Terrion Arnold will make a year-two leap.
The Lions' first two draft picks addressed the defensive line (Tyleik Williams) and offensive front (Tate Ratledge).
Most of all, though, there should be faith in head coach Dan Campbell. He inherited a seemingly hopeless situation and dramatically turned it around. Anybody question if this squad will play hard for him? The Lions didn’t lose a road game last season, and as difficult as the away games appear this year, the home schedule is decidedly reasonable.
The Lions are more than capable of making a deep playoff run.
They have earned more faith than they are currently receiving.