EAST LANSING: The NFL Playoffs are upon us, and while the Kansas City Chiefs pursue the unprecedented feat of a third consecutive Super Bowl title, the anticipation is palpable. However, in the Motor City, a different, more captivating narrative is unfolding.
Behind a franchise-record 15-2 finish, the Detroit Lions have secured home-field advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs—a monumental achievement for a team long plagued by heartache.
However, amid the euphoria of their historic season, one looming question persists: Is this the season when the Lions finally exorcise the demons of their past and reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history?
Just three seasons ago, the coaching styles of head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn drew criticism among the fanbase. Now, Campbell is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best head coaches, and both Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are drawing interest for the six vacant head coaching positions.
It’s a testament to the remarkable turnaround in Detroit, led in large part by one of the most electrifying offenses in the league
Their greatest asset along the path to the Lombardi Trophy, the Lions led the NFL in points per game and were second in total offense in 2024, as quarterback Jared Goff led Detroit to new heights.
Jared Goff set a career-high, amassing 37 passing touchdowns and tallied 4,629 passing yards—second only to Joe Burrow. Finishing 2024 with a 72.4% completion rate (second-best in the NFL), Goff has solidified his place as one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks, steering Detroit through its historic season.
Goff wasn’t the only Lion to post career numbers this season. Under Ben Johnson’s masterful play calling, Detroit’s offensive weapons were unleashed, and none more so than the dynamic backfield duo, dubbed ‘Sonic and Knuckles.’
Jahmyr Gibbs’ explosive track speed and David Montgomery’s bruising power created a two-headed monster that wore down opposing defenses. Gibbs, with his breakaway speed, racked up 1,412 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, while Montgomery imposed his will on the ground, grinding out tough yards and adding 12 touchdowns of his own.
Amon-Ra St Brown’s dominance continued (1,263 yards, 12 touchdowns), but a welcomed addition for Detroit was the breakout of Jameson Williams, who provided the much-needed vertical threat alongside St Brown and Sam LaPorta. Staying healthy for the first time, Williams eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career.
The Lions have a strong unit in the trenches, anchored by bookend tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. Though the offensive side of the trenches thrived, the consistency of the defense came into question.
Despite a defensive line ravaged by injuries to key players like Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeil, Aaron Glenn’s defense held strong, thanks in large part to standout performances from linebacker Jack Campbell (131 tackles) and safety Brian Branch (109 tackles, 16 passes defensed, 4 INTs).
Young talents like rookie Terrion Arnold stepped up, and veterans like Carlton Davis II and Kerby Joseph—paired with the playmaking Branch,— has kept the secondary competitive, despite its vulnerabilities.
While their 30th-ranked pass defense drew concern- like when they surrendered 48 points to Josh Allen and the Bills in Week 15- their ability to generate takeaways proved advantageous. Behind Joseph’s league-leading nine picks, the Lions were tied for fifth in the league with 16 interceptions.
With the NFC Playoff picture running through Ford Field, the Lions have the advantage of home-field, but the road to the Super Bowl won’t be without its challenges. Despite sweeping division rivals Green Bay and Minnesota, a third meeting with either team could still be dangerous.
The arm strength of Packers quarterback Jordan Love and the powerful running of Josh Jacobs, along with Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold’s playmakers—Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson and Brian Flores’ suffocating defense, all have the potential to exploit Detroit’s weaknesses
However, the biggest threat to Detroit’s Super Bowl dreams lies in Philadelphia. The Lions rank fifth in run defense, allowing less than 100 yards per game, but containing superstar running back Saquon Barkley,who ran for over 2,000 yards in his first season with the Eagles—will be a monumental task.
In addition to Barkley, the Eagles’ potent offensive attack, led by Jalen Hurts and featuring veteran playmakers like A.J. Brown, Dallas Goedert, and DeVonta Smith—could pose a significant challenge for Glenn’s defense, likely wearing down the banged-up unit.
The Eagles, who can also take away difference-makers such as Gibbs and St. Brown, are top 10 in both pass defense and run defense in 2024. Rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have been stupendous alongside former Lions CJ Gardner-Johnson and Darius Slay, contributing to the top-rated pass defense in football.
If the Lions want to prevail and continue making franchise history, Johnson will have to get deep into his bag of tricks. For Campbell’s squad, controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting big plays will be key to maintaining consistency throughout the postseason.
The Super Bowl is very well within reach, but the road to New Orleans will be as challenging as it is thrilling.
