Could the Detroit Lions really do it? Can they challenge for the Super Bowl during the 2024 NFL season? Dan Campbell’s team is loaded with skill and advanced to the championship game last season. As unlikely as it is for the Lions to be a powerhouse, it appears that they are.
The Lions finished 12-5 last season, winning their first playoff game since 1992. They extended Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell while adding defensive reinforcements in D.J. Reader, Carlton Davis III, Amik Robertson, and Marcus Davenport. They placed a strong emphasis on defense during the NFL draft. They have a lot of work to do on that front, but they have already proven to be a potent offense with plenty of playmakers.
Another winning season appears to be in the works, and the franchise is certainly hoping for more. Campbell, who is always eager to get his players in the correct state of mind, explained how the Lions are aiming for the Super Bowl and will not settle for anything less. “I don’t see a bust,” he replied. “I see Super Bowl.”
He went on to say that every team should have such mindset because winning is the ultimate goal. However, coming from a coach of a really good team means a lot more. Campbell has helped the Lions progress season after season. Going from a bad team to a promising team to a terrific squad has Detroit feeling optimistic about its chances of competing for the Super Bowl.
Campbell’s statement looks like a guarantee but feels more like a point in the direction of where the Lions’ headspace is at. Detroit was right there in last year’s NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, leading 24-7 at halftime before blowing it in the second half. The loss serves as even more motivation to go the distance.
The Lions may not have the absolute best roster in the NFC. That title belongs to either the Philadelphia Eagles or 49ers, the last two teams to win the conference. But Detroit’s roster is certainly closer to the top of the list than the middle or the bottom. With how good the Lions have become, it’s not crazy to see them winning it all, even if there are still a handful of better teams out there. A lot of things have to go right, though.
One of the biggest storylines this season in Detroit will be how good Goff plays. The veteran quarterback is a bit of a paradox; his sturdy, impressive play has helped the Lions get back to winning but he may not be quite good enough to get them over the hump. With his new extension, the front office is betting that he’s their man. Not many people believe that he can be, though the same could be said about Goff looking like a legitimately good quarterback again after leaving Sean McVay.
The Lions hope that the current core will be remembered as the first to deliver the Lombardi Trophy to the Motor City.
