Should We Believe the Detroit Lions Hype?
Every year, Detroit Lions fans have hope that maybe, somehow, the team will have a good season. But, this year, they actually are joined by tons of other NFL fans…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 17: Head Coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions jogs off the field after the 34-11 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Ford Field on October 17, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Every year, Detroit Lions fans have hope that maybe, somehow, the team will have a good season. But, this year, they actually are joined by tons of other NFL fans in thinking that it's going to be a special year for the Detroit Lions. Now, even ESPN says, in a way, to believe the Detroit Lions hype. They also say, in a way, to not believe it.
I grew up a Detroit Lions fan and can remember so many Thanksgivings watching the annual Thanksgiving Day game with family. Of course, the Lions rarely won. It became a tradition, of sorts, to cheery them on but watch them lose on Turkey Day. But, I really think this year is going to be the year for the Lions. Both this year and next year, I believe, are going to see the Lions in the playoffs.
Should We Believe the Detroit Lions Hype?
ESPN writer Kevin Pulsifer writes that he loves the emotion of the Detroit Lions hype. "Ever since Dan Campbell first professed a propensity for biting kneecaps, Motown Mania has been in full effect," he writes in a new ESPN story. "The love affair reached a fever pitch last August when the team was featured on Hard Knocks and Jamaal Williams convinced us to run through a brick wall." Other outlets have noted the Lions buzz, too.
However, he doesn't say that he believes all the hype will translate into bets on the Lions that will come through. He even says that the Lions' division odds "still aren't a good betting value." But, in positive news, he does note that ESPN Analytics has the Lions as the 11th-best team according to FPI. He also says that ESPN Analytics gives Detroit a 65.4% probability of making the playoffs in an NFC, largely because the NFC "doesn't have seven good teams." It definitely helps us that the NFC North doesn't have great teams. Not to bash Green Bay, Chicago and Minnesota, but our only real challenge is beating Minnesota.
Is it September yet? I don't want to wish away the summer, but I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Detroit Lions season. We have some incredibly solid Detroit lions players on the roster.
There's so much positive buzz out there about the Detroit Lions. Some even think this is the year we'll make it to the Super Bowl. Whether Detroit is at the big game or not, expectations are high. No matter what, it's going to be an exciting season to watch. There are several NFL teams that I'll be following this year, but the Lions are, of course, at the top of my list.
Read on for seven Detroit Lions players that will be crucial to the team's success this year. These are my personal picks. Send your picks to Anne Erickson on social media here.
Listen to "The Squad with Anne Erickson" below and wherever you listen to podcasts! On this episode, Brad Berreman of SideLion Report joins me, Anne Erickson, to talk about the Lions' picks and how the team is shaping up going into the new season. The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone. As always, the Draft brought some surprises, and that includes the Lions' picks.
7. Defensive lineman Josh Paschal
This might seem like an odd pick, as Josh Paschal had a lot of injuries last year, so he's not on the radar as much. But, the few times he did play, he was impressive. Having Pashchal (hopefully) healthy will help the Lions' defense immensely. And, that's one area that the Lions need to shine in 2022.
6. Cornerback Cam Sutton
The Detroit Lions have veteran cornerback Cam Sutton in the fold. "From the defensive side we have a lot of physical guys," Sutton said via DetroitLions.com. "A lot of hungry guys. Guys who want to get after the ball and make plays on the ball from all different levels. It's a very communicative group, very high energy and you need that tenacity that vicious mindset every time you attack the field."
5. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is a rookie, but the Detroit Lions have high expectations for him. He comes from Alabama, where he led in rushing and receiving in 2022. He also is going to be working closely with David Montgomery. as having both running backs will help keep each other rested and fresh.
4. Running back David Montgomery
Running back David Montgomery is bringing some versatility to the offensive side of the Detroit Lions. He was a solid signing, coming from the Chicago Bears, and has the potential to help improve an already solid Lions offense. I personally think he'll be one of the best in the league this year.
3. Defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson was the Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up last season, so there are a lot of expectations for the NFL player. He recorded 9.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits and three picks over the season. Very impressive!
2. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown
Pro Bowler Amon-Ra St. Brown is a huge part of the Detroit Lions' team. He had 196 receptions in his first two seasons in the league and is actually tied for the most in NFL history. Last season, he had a 106-catch, 1,161-yard season with six touchdowns.
1. Quarterback Jared Goff
Jared Goff had a stellar season in 2022 with the Detroit Lions and was at the heart of why the team won most of the second half of the season's games. He came from the Los Angeles Rams, and while in L.A., he scored two Pro Bowl berths, helped the Rams win two NFC West division titles and three playoff appearances. He also appeared with the team at Super Bowl LIII. Is another Super Bowl in his future? I hope so. I really think Goff has what it takes to take this team to the next level.
