Takeaways from the 2023 Detroit Lions Season

What a wild ride! I’ve been a Detroit Lions fan my whole life, and I honestly can’t remember a more exciting season.

The Lions started the season 1-6, which is nothing new, because we usually have a losing record. But then, something magical happened. I don’t think anyone can really put a finger on it, but suddenly, everything changed. The team started playing tightly together. They started doing something different: winning.

Going into the Green Bay game, the Lions’ final regular season game, almost every commentator on the Sunday Night Football pre-show selected Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to win. Even with the Lions’ winning record and our solid offense, those commentators went with the “safe” pick. They were wrong, and the Lions closed out their season with a huge win.

As for current Detroit Lions quarterback, Jared Goff is our guy. I’m sure of it. I know a bunch of critics have always thought Goff was a “transition” quarterback, but that’s just not the case. His stats for December 2022 are inside the top five of the current NFL quarterback roster.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is staying with the team for the 2023 season, despite a bevy of interviews he had lined up to become head coach of various NFL teams. He wants to stay because he senses something special in the Lions camp. And he’s right.

Nobody knows what the future holds. But, I’m taking a bet on the Lions. I’ve been with the team during the lows, and there were plenty. Now, I’m going to enjoy what will hopefully be a ride to the top. I’m calling the Lions to make the playoffs next season. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll even make it to the Super Bowl in the next five years. We have a young team, and positive coaching staff, led by Dan Campbell, and lots of hope. Let’s do it, Lions. Hear us roar.

Follow reporter Anne Erickson at @AnneErickson.