For the Lions, it’s all about moving forward. Not in just one giant step, but smaller ones that ultimately lead to genuine contention.
The Lions’ 31-30 win over the Bears on Sunday was one of those steps.
It was hardly a Mona Lisa, but the Lions’ current regime had yet to win a road game.
It was also outdoors, in November elements, in the town known as the Windy City.
The Lions rallied from two touchdowns down in the second half. Their much-maligned defense scored a TD. Recent draft picks such as Aidan Hutchinson, Jeff Okudah and Amon-Ra St. Brown made big plays.
And the defense held at the end.
The Lions needed wins and progress from what they hope is a young nucleus for a contending future. That’s been accomplished with wins the last two weeks over the Packers and Bears.
Of course, there will be cynics suggesting the Lions only won because the Bears shanked an extra point.
But isn’t that something the Lions traditionally do?
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The Lions passed on Justin Fields to select Penei Sewell in the 2021 NFL Draft. Fields scorched the Lions, mostly with his legs, throughout the game. It is a fair question to wonder if the Lions passed on a great QB.
And Jared Goff still presents a self-inflicted conundrum for the organization.
That, undoubtedly, would have been the major issue had the Lions lost.
Thing is, they didn’t. I spare you the 4-letter “grit,” which has somehow found its way into the Lions’ lexicon so prematurely.
There were times Sunday the Lions were anything but gritty.
Yet it is perfectly appropriate to suggest the Lions found a way to win the type of game they have tended to lose, well, forever.
The Lions have plenty of draft capital after the T.J. Hockenson trade, much salary cap space to work with this off-season – especially if they figure out the QB dilemma – and a base of younger players developing.
Give the Lions this: It was progress.
