So I took a road trip this weekend to cover an NFL playoff game in Detroit. Detroit is one of only four teams in the league to never appear in a Super Bowl, and it's a city hungry for winners.
The Lions hadn't won two games in a single postseason since 1957, but they accomplished that with a 31-23 district playoff win over the Buccaneers on Sunday at Ford Field, and on Sunday they defeated California State. They advanced to the NFC Championship against the 49ers in Santa Clara.
With this win, Detroit is one win away from appearing in its first Super Bowl.
I have a hard time rooting for it for a variety of reasons, starting with the incredibly authentic head coach Dan Campbell, to fired and fired quarterback Jared Goff, to a locker room filled with complete players. I finished Sunday impressed with everything I saw about the Lions. A blend of humble veterans and energetic youth.
Simply put, Lions are likeable and approachable. They are not a brash bunch who preen and bang their chests in front of television cameras. The Lions represent the hunger and humility of the city they play in.
All of those elements were on display Sunday in Detroit's most important win in nearly 60 years.
But above all of that, what impressed me the most that day was Ford Field and what it looked and sounded like. It was deafeningly loud, electric, and oozed with gratitude and passion.
I found myself drawn to an atmosphere of envy.
This is what NFL football should be like at a big home game.
This is something I've missed in the Giants-Jets games I've covered over the past decade, as both teams have struggled to find relevance while fans have become discouraged and apathetic.
This is what NFL stadiums should be like on game day, when they have a huge impact on the outcome.
The Jets have won 41 games since 2016, but haven't been to the playoffs since the 2010 season and last hosted a playoff game in 2002. The Giants have won 37 games since the 2017 season, but have not hosted a playoff game since the 2011 season. season.
It's been a long, cold, lonely January at MetLife Stadium.
That's why the atmosphere at Ford Field on Sunday was so distinct. Because it was in stark contrast to the Giants and Jets games I've covered, and I wondered why they weren't having great games.
I was also drawn to take a closer look at how these Lions have been built, starting with the hiring of general manager Brad Holmes, all the way to the recruiting of players with Campbell and a great roster. I got it.
Evident in the Lions' run, and highlighted by Sunday's win, are right tackle Penei Sewell, the team's first-round pick in 2021, center Frank Ragnow (6th year in Detroit), left Their offensive line, led by tackle Taylor, is outstanding. Decker and right guard Graham Glasgow (both in their eighth year with the team).
Then there's how the Lions built this roster through the draft.
Their 2021 draft class included Sewell, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, linebacker Derrick Barnes, safety Ifeetu Melifonwu and defensive tackle Alim McNeil.
Sewell and St. Brown are All-Pros. St. Brown had eight catches for a team-leading 77 yards Sunday, including a 9-yard game-winning touchdown reception that gave Detroit a 31-17 lead with 6:22 left. was also included. Barnes intercepted Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield with 1:33 left in the game, clinching the victory. Melifonwu tied for the team lead with nine tackles and recorded 1.5 sacks.
The Lions' 2023 draft class included running backs Jahmil Gibbs and Jack Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta and cornerback Brian Branch.
Gibbs rushed for 74 yards on nine carries Sunday and scored on a 31-yard run in the fourth quarter to give the Lions a 24-17 lead. LaPorta led the Lions in receptions with 9 yards and 65 yards. Branch tied for the team lead with nine tackles, had two tackles for a loss and recorded one sack.
After Sunday's game, Goff marveled at how methodically the Lions were built and how they didn't bother making any flashy, expensive free agent signings.
“We didn't add a ton,” Goff said. “We have a lot of similar players, and Brad and Dan were very intentional about bringing in the type of players who can handle the next moment.” [Sunday] Moments like last week and the ups and downs of the season. It was all done on purpose by them and it is no coincidence that we are here. ”
No, it's not.
This is a Lions team playing with purpose, attitude and swagger that is never far away from defeating the No. 1 seed 49ers and appearing in their first Super Bowl.
The Lions are as good as they should be, much like the frenetic atmosphere in the building on Sunday.
