The Detroit Lions almost made the playoffs in 2022, but if a few of these bold statements come true, the team will win its division easily this year.
The Lions’ offense was a powerhouse last year, thanks to experienced quarterback Jared Goff, who brought his career back to life and helped the whole team play better. Detroit was near the top of the league in passing yards and yards per attempt thanks to the former No. 1 overall pick.
Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator in Motor City, is the straw that stirs the drink for Goff. In his first year on the job, the 37-year-old took over calling plays. Johnson didn’t ask his quarterback to lead the team; instead, he told them to be tough in the trenches.
The offensive line took that to heart and became one of the most dangerous units in the NFL. Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow are two of the best players at their spots, while Taylor Decker on the blindside is always underrated. Overall, Goff was sacked only 24 times, which was the second-best number in the league.
The most important place for the Lions to get better is on defense. As great as Detroit’s attack was, the defense was just as bad. In 2022, the defense gave up the third most passing yards and was in the middle of the pack when it came to sacks.
What’s good? This summer, general manager Brad Holmes worked hard to improve the defense, both through the NFL Draft and free agency. Will these new players help Detroit get over the hump and back into the playoffs? This question will be answered by these six bold statements.
No. 1: Jared Goff To Finish In Top 5 In MVP Voting
As we said earlier, Goff’s NFL career is starting over in Detroit. Even though things went wrong during the game, he is one of the few players in the league who has been to the Super Bowl. The former Cal Bear has a history of winning, and he puts up some impressive numbers every week.
After a great first year with the Lions, Goff threw for 4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only seven picks. Assuming Jameson Williams gets back to his old self after his ban, Goff will have plenty of tools to use.
For the eighth-year quarterback to be considered for MVP, he will need to step up his game again. I don’t think this is too big of a jump, and Goff’s past of winning football games makes it easy to see how he could get votes. By the end of the season, both “QB wins” and “analytical” voters will have to think about Goff.
No. 2: Bet On Jahmyr Gibbs To Outperform Bijan Robinson As A Rookie
Bijan Robinson was my top pick for running back in the NFL Draft of 2023. Still, Jahmyr Gibbs wasn’t very far behind on the scale. The former Georgia Tech star started his career with the Yellow Jackets. He then moved to Alabama and became the team’s starting running back.
Gibbs is one of the most dangerous backs on the field. He can change lanes quickly and has great top speed. He can also stop on a dime and start moving again quickly, which seems impossible. The 21-year-old ball carrier has great vision and patience when he runs between the tackles, but he will become a popular name when he runs out in space.
Gibbs will likely go quickly in your local fantasy football drafts and your bet on nfl games online betting options. The Lions’ new running back is a great pass catcher and home run hitter. This is no longer a secret. Don’t be surprised if the former Crimson Tide player has more production in Year 1 than Robinson.
No. 3: Amon-Ra St. Brown Leads The NFL In Receptions
Amon-Ra St. Brown kept moving up the league ranks in 2022 by having the best season of his short career. The former USC star was in the top 10 in both targets (146) and catches (106) in his first season as a full-time starter. Keep in mind that all of this happened when St. Brown was the offense’s CLEAR No. 1 choice.
Even though Jameson Williams will miss the start of the year because of a suspension, St. Brown should have more help around him now. As a rookie, tight-end Sam LaPorta will have a bigger effect on the game than most people think. Also, the addition of Jahmyr Gibbs makes the unit more versatile.
Even if Goff moves the ball around more in 2023, St. Brown will still get nearly ten targets per game. The 23-year-old pass catcher should have no trouble getting the chances. He was 12 grabs behind the leader in 2022. With Ben Johnson back in tow, it’s likely that he’ll catch another dozen passes.
No. 4: Defensive Rookie Of The Year Award Going For Jack Campbell
At No. 18, the Lions surprised a lot of people by taking a pure middle linebacker candidate. I wasn’t one of those surprised, though. At the end of the pre-draft process, Jack Campbell had a sparkling grade for the first round on my Big Board. Campbell was one of the top 20 possibilities overall, and I loved the idea of putting him with Detroit right away.
The Iowa defender is the kind of leader that every defensive coach hopes to find when putting together a team. Campbell is a strong leader, a fierce fighter, an athletic marvel, and a smart person. He has all the qualities of a modern NFL MIKE. Campbell was in the middle of the Hawkeyes’ defense. He made a difference in the game by covering, helping the running backs, and even rushing the quarterback.
You can bet that Aaron Glenn, who is in charge of the defense, will put him on the starting team right away. Campbell is one of the few players who can change a group all by himself. At 6-foot-5 and 249 pounds, the Lions have a quarterback who will be an All-Pro for the next ten years or more.
A Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy to start his career may be the bold statement I can make, but it’s also the one I’m most sure will come true.
No. 5: The Franchise Record Is Up For Challenge This Year
Last year’s NFL Draft was like a scene from a movie when the Lions picked Aidan Hutchinson. After the Jaguars picked Travon Walker with the first pick, the front office of the Detroit Lions turned in the card for Hutchinson so quickly that the league had to tell them to slow down.
Hutchinson was born and raised in the great state of Michigan, and he played his best college football for the Wolverines. He took the team to its first spot in the CFB Playoffs and came in second place for the Heisman Trophy.
The Lions put a lot of faith in Hutch, and they didn’t regret it. In his first year, he got 9.5 sacks despite being constantly watched by the other team’s managers. The 265-pound freak uses his strong hands and never-ending mean streak to get into the middle. He usually beats his assigned player and makes them walk backwards.
It’s a bold prediction to say that Hutchinson can set a club record so early in his career, but if you haven’t learned by now, don’t doubt the former No. 2 overall pick. Porcher’s goal of 15 sacks is doable, especially now that Hutchinson is playing with some new players.
No. 6: The Lions to Win the NFC North & A Playoff Game
The Lions just missed making the playoffs in 2022, but if even a few of these bold statements come true, the team will be back on the field this year. Whether it’s the signing of veteran players, the selection of talented rookies in the draft, or the development of skill already on the team, Detroit has everything it needs to win the NFC North.
Aaron Rodgers is no longer walking around Lambeau Field, Kirk Cousins is another year older, and Justin Fields still has to show that he can win games on Sundays. It takes ten wins, which is only one more than the Lions got last year, to win the title. Dan Campbell is sick with a fever, and the only cure is more kneecaps.
