The Lions are a Cinderella story, but not a fluke.
There’s a difference.
While it’s true the Lions have mutated from the NFL’s perennial ugly ducklings into its darling with lightning speed, it has strictly been because of talent.
Luck has little to nothing to do with it.
The Rams and Bucs presented unique challenges. Each played well.
But you know the cliche about how there are five or so big plays that determine most NFL games? The Lions made those plays.
If it’s not Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown, it’s to Sam LaPorta. Or Josh Reynolds appears seemingly out of nowhere and comes to the rescue. Or Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside, running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs dazzle.
Defensively, it’s different heroes every week.
The Lions have top-end talent and excellent depth on both sides of the ball.
It’s all tied to the three most important elements necessary for success in the NFL:
The right combination of coach, general manager and quarterback.
The Lions, at least during the Super Bowl era, hadn’t come close to pulling all three together at once until now.
Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes and Goff have fit the bill perfectly.
Campbell identified ideal coordinators in Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, and the steady improvement of the Lions’ less-heralded younger players is proof of his staff’s ability to “coach ‘em up.”
Holmes’ first three drafts have been brilliant, and could be all-timers in NFL history.
You can debate Goff vs. Matthew Stafford until you’re Honolulu blue in the face, but it’s indisputable Goff is the ideal QB at the perfect place for his style at just the right time.
A month ago, the Lions figured to have merely a puncher’s chance vs. the 49ers on the road.
The 49ers appear to have petered out a bit, though. Green Bay, frankly, should have beaten them in the NFC semifinals,
It seems like the Lions are being underestimated as a touchdown underdog Sunday.
The Lions started 4-19-1 under their current regime. They are 22-7 since. It’s a stunning turnaround.
In the process, the Lions have won in multitudes of ways and conditions, They beat the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, and captured two tight playoff games.
Much was expected of the Lions this season. They have delivered even more.
Why stop now?
The Lions have the pieces in place. No reason the glass slipper has to be shattered. A Super Bowl has been beyond overdue for this town.
No better time than now to end the mother lode of all droughts.