The Detroit Lions have been a team with a storied history, but one that has often been defined by underachievement and frustration. For the 2024 season, however, the situation has dramatically shifted. After years of mediocrity and disappointment, the Lions have emerged as one of the top teams in the NFL, making the playoffs as a legitimate contender. This season, they are faced with a new challenge: being the target. For much of their recent history, the Lions have been the ones doing the chasing—trying to claw their way into playoff contention. But now that they have become a top team, they must adjust to the pressure that comes with being a favorite, a target in the playoffs. Here’s how the Lions are handling this new position, from their mindset and strategy to their preparation for the postseason.
1. Embracing the Role of Contender
The first thing to note is that the Lions have embraced their new role. For a franchise that has often been an afterthought in the NFL, they now carry the mantle of expectation. This shift in mindset is crucial to their success. Head coach Dan Campbell has long emphasized a tough, physical, and emotional approach to the game, and this year, that philosophy is being put to the test.
Campbell’s leadership has been vital in shaping a team that is unafraid of pressure. The culture he has cultivated within the locker room is one that thrives on challenge. Campbell has instilled in his players the belief that they are not just participating in the playoffs but that they belong there. This mental shift is important because in the past, the Lions may have been content to simply make the postseason, but now, their eyes are on deeper goals. They are not just happy to be in the playoffs—they are determined to make a run at the Super Bowl.
2. The Quarterback Play of Jared Goff
Jared Goff has been one of the key players for the Lions’ success this season, and his ability to manage the pressure of being a top team is critical. For much of his career, Goff has been an enigmatic figure, alternately looking like a franchise quarterback and then struggling with inconsistency. But this season, he has found a level of stability and confidence that has been critical for the Lions.
One of the aspects that helps Goff manage the pressure of being a playoff-bound team is his maturity. After leaving Los Angeles, where he played in a high-pressure environment as the starting quarterback of the Rams, Goff has shown that he can thrive in Detroit without the same external expectations. While Goff’s leadership style is more reserved than some quarterbacks, he has taken on a steady, calming presence for his team. He doesn’t appear rattled by the weight of the playoffs, and his experience in high-stakes games (including his Super Bowl appearance with the Rams) gives him a strong mental edge.
What is particularly impressive about Goff in 2024 is his ability to make plays in critical moments. In years past, Goff may have faltered when the spotlight shone brightest, but now, he’s rising to the occasion. His accuracy, decision-making, and ability to keep the offense moving efficiently have been major assets in the Lions’ success.
3. The Strength of the Roster
One of the most impressive aspects of the Lions’ playoff run this season is the depth of their roster. This team is not carried by just one or two star players but has strength across the board, from offense to defense to special teams. The team’s front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, has done an excellent job of building a well-rounded squad that complements each other’s skills. It’s a team effort in every sense.
Offensively, the Lions have one of the most dynamic units in the league. Running back David Montgomery has provided the physicality in the ground game, while rookie Jahmyr Gibbs has added an explosive, versatile element. The receiving corps, led by Amon-Ra St. Brown, has been incredibly productive, giving Goff a range of weapons to utilize. The offensive line, one of the best in the league, has been the bedrock of the offense, providing Goff with time to find his receivers and allowing the running backs to gain critical yardage.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions have shown marked improvement from previous seasons. While the defense was once a weak link, it is now a balanced and opportunistic unit. The Lions have an aggressive defensive front led by standout defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the league. Hutchinson’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks has been a game-changer for the Lions. Alongside him, the defensive line has been stout against the run, making it difficult for opponents to establish a balanced attack.
In the secondary, the Lions have shown they can lock down receivers and create turnovers when it matters most. The addition of cornerback Cameron Sutton has strengthened their pass defense, and safety Brian Branch has been a playmaker in coverage. The defense, while not perfect, is capable of stepping up in big moments and getting stops when the game is on the line.
4. Managing the Pressure
The challenge of being a playoff team is not just about having talent—it’s about managing the pressure that comes with expectations. The Lions are in uncharted territory, and their ability to handle the psychological aspect of the playoffs will be key to their success. The players understand that every game now is a must-win, and the margin for error is slim.
Dan Campbell’s coaching style, which encourages emotional investment, has been instrumental in helping the team stay focused. Campbell himself is no stranger to high-stakes environments, and his intensity has rubbed off on his players. He is always quick to remind them that while the playoffs bring higher expectations, they are still playing the same game they’ve played all season. The message is simple: Stay true to who they are, stick to the game plan, and don’t let the outside noise distract from their goal.
The team has also benefitted from having several veterans who have played in playoff games before. Players like safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive lineman Charles Harris bring valuable postseason experience that can help guide younger players through the emotional ups and downs of the playoffs. They know what it takes to handle the pressure, and their leadership has been essential in keeping the team grounded.
5. The Importance of Special Teams and Coaching Adjustments
As the Lions enter the playoffs, they are also making sure to pay attention to the details that can sometimes make the difference between a win and a loss. Special teams play will be crucial in high-stakes games, and Detroit’s special teams unit has been solid throughout the season. Kicker Riley Patterson has been reliable, and punter Jack Fox’s ability to flip field position will be vital when games are tight. In the postseason, these hidden yardage battles become critical, and the Lions’ coaching staff has made sure that they are well-prepared in this area.
Additionally, the coaching staff is fully aware that playoff games often require strategic adjustments on the fly. While the Lions have had success with their base offensive and defensive strategies, they know that playoff opponents will be well-prepared and might present challenges that require tactical changes. Dan Campbell’s ability to adapt and make quick decisions will be put to the test, but his experience and his staff’s versatility should serve the team well.
6. The Fanbase and the City’s Support
The Detroit Lions have one of the most loyal and passionate fanbases in the NFL. After years of disappointment, the city of Detroit is hungry for success. The Lions’ emergence as a legitimate playoff contender has reinvigorated the fanbase and filled Ford Field with excitement. The city’s support has been evident as the Lions have made their playoff push, and the players have fed off the energy of their fans.
However, with this heightened attention comes a certain pressure. The expectations from fans and the media are growing, and the players are keenly aware of the city’s desire for a championship. While the support is invaluable, the Lions also know that they can’t get distracted by the weight of that expectation. The key is to maintain focus on the field and use the energy from the fans as motivation rather than a source of stress.
7. Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
As the Lions prepare for the playoffs, they know that every team will be gunning for them. The road to the Super Bowl will not be easy, and the target on their backs will only grow larger with each victory. But the Lions are ready for the challenge. They’ve shown that they can perform under pressure, and they are hungry to prove that their success is no fluke.
The team’s confidence, coupled with their depth and coaching, makes them a dangerous opponent. The Lions’ success this season has been the result of careful planning, hard work, and a willingness to adapt. They are no longer just happy to be in the playoffs—they are determined to make a run at the title. If they can continue to play with the same intensity, mental toughness, and focus they’ve shown all season, they will be well-positioned to handle the pressure and live up to the expectations as one of the NFL’s top teams.
