The Detroit Lions Renaissance: A Look Back at the 2023 Season

Over the past three years, the Detroit Lions have undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from perpetual underachievers to one of the NFC's top teams. The 2023 season was a watershed moment for the franchise, marking their first NFC North title in decades and a significant playoff run that nearly culminated in a Super Bowl appearance.

The turnaround story of the Lions is impressive and multifaceted, with credit largely attributed to head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. However, it's important to acknowledge the foundations laid by previous regimes, particularly that of Matt Patricia and former general manager Bob Quinn. During Patricia's tenure from 2018 to mid-2020, some crucial building blocks were set in place that have contributed to the team's recent success.

A Rejuvenated Offensive Line

One of the key factors in the Lions' resurgence has been the steady improvement of their offensive line. The drafting of center Frank Ragnow in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft stands out as a pivotal move. Ragnow has since developed into a cornerstone of the offensive line, exemplifying reliability and skill. Indeed, Patricia and Quinn's decision to draft Ragnow showed foresight and has had long-lasting benefits for the team.

"I think that the Lions have built a really good offensive line for their quarterback, and they couldn't get a lot of production in the red area last week, but that's something that Matt Patricia started and now they're kind of getting the fruits of the labor from him," noted Bill Belichick on the "Let's Go" podcast. This observation indicates that while Patricia's tenure may not have been successful in terms of wins and losses, some of his moves are now paying dividends.

Additionally, the decisions made post-Patricia's era have solidified the Lions' offensive front. The later draft and free agency acquisitions of Penei Sewell and Kevin Zeitler have further fortified the line, making it one of the stronger units in the league. This line has been instrumental in offering the quarterback the protection and time needed to make plays, thereby boosting the overall offensive productivity.

Foundational and Current Leadership

The leadership tandem of Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes since Patricia's departure has been monumental in driving the franchise forward. Their strategic vision and ability to foster a winning culture have been evident. The Lions' locker room atmosphere is one of commitment and belief, factors that have translated into their on-field performance.

While Campbell and Holmes have rightly received plaudits for their efforts, the importance of previous key players and leadership cannot be understated. Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow were part of the team before Patricia arrived, providing experience and stability. Although Glasgow was not re-signed by Patricia and Quinn in 2019, his influence during his tenure helped set the stage for future developments.

Reaching New Heights

The Lions' 2023 season was a revelation. Not only did they clinch the NFC North title, a feat long thought beyond their grasp, but they also won their first playoff game since 1991. This victory was a symbolic end to years of playoff drought and marked a significant milestone in the team’s history. The Lions' playoff journey in 2023 was remarkable, resonating with fans and analysts alike as they came tantalizingly close to a Super Bowl berth after the NFC Championship Game.

This period of triumph and near-miss has reinvigorated the Lions' fan base and set high expectations for the future. The blend of foundational elements laid during Patricia's era and the dynamic progress under Campbell and Holmes points to a robust structure capable of sustained success.

The Detroit Lions' renaissance story is far from over, but 2023 will be remembered as a defining chapter. The team's achievements this season underscore the importance of both past foresight and present leadership. As the Lions look to build on this year's success, the contributions of figures like Frank Ragnow, Penei Sewell, and others will continue to be pivotal. With Campbell and Holmes at the helm, the Lions have crafted a blueprint that seems poised to keep them among the NFC's elite for the foreseeable future.