The Detroit Lions are a team that has faced significant challenges throughout their history. With a legacy marked by both immense promise and heartbreaking failure, fans have grown accustomed to hope mixed with skepticism. However, this season has felt different. The Lions have been playing some of their most consistent and exciting football in years, prompting questions: Will the Detroit Lions ride the “blueberries” all the way to the Super Bowl? To understand this potential, we need to take a closer look at the current state of the team, how they got here, and what their chances are in the context of the NFC playoff race.
The Lions’ Journey to Relevance
The Detroit Lions have been through a lot of ups and downs in the NFL, but the most recent years have seen a glimmer of hope. After the firing of head coach Jim Caldwell in 2017 and the hiring of Matt Patricia, a period of instability followed. Patricia’s tenure, marked by a defense-first mentality and a lack of offensive innovation, did not lead to success. When Patricia was dismissed in 2020, it marked the beginning of a new era with the hiring of Dan Campbell as head coach.
Dan Campbell’s arrival marked a fundamental shift in the culture of the team. Known for his fiery personality, Campbell is a leader who emphasizes grit, toughness, and camaraderie. His famous “bite kneecaps” speech endeared him to the Lions’ fanbase, but more importantly, his coaching style focused on fostering team unity and resilience, even in the face of adversity.
Campbell’s first two seasons were filled with growing pains, but the team’s mindset was different: they were building for the future. A big part of this transformation was the hiring of Brad Holmes as general manager in 2021. Holmes, a former Rams executive, has been praised for his ability to draft talent and make savvy moves in free agency. Under his leadership, the Lions have significantly improved their roster, both in terms of young, dynamic players and seasoned veterans who have brought leadership and stability to the locker room.
The “Blueberries” Metaphor: What Does It Mean?
The term “blueberries” is an interesting one when discussing the Lions’ playoff aspirations. In this context, it is used as a metaphor for something that seems improbable but is growing increasingly possible. Blueberries are small, somewhat inconspicuous, but they are packed with nutrients and power. Similarly, the Lions have been a franchise that has quietly built a potent team, yet their potential has often been overlooked or underestimated.
In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the Lions began to show signs of being more than just another middle-of-the-pack NFL team. With an explosive offense, a significantly improved defense, and a head coach who is finally beginning to get the best out of his players, the “blueberries” of the Lions’ roster are starting to shine brightly. The metaphor suggests that these “small” moments of improvement and success are starting to snowball into something much more significant.
The Offense: A Dangerous Weapon
One of the primary factors driving the Lions’ success is their offense. Quarterback Jared Goff, who came to Detroit in a trade that sent Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams, has been a revelation. After a rocky start in Detroit, Goff has found a home in the Lions’ system, thriving under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Goff has been able to make quick, decisive throws, exhibiting excellent pocket presence, and a solid deep-ball accuracy that had previously been questioned.
Goff’s resurgence has been one of the most significant storylines for the Lions. He has elevated the play of his receivers, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has developed into one of the NFL’s top wide receivers. St. Brown, a young player with an impressive skill set, has emerged as a legitimate threat on the field, and he is capable of making game-changing plays. The addition of players like rookie tight end Sam LaPorta and veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. has provided Goff with additional weapons to target, making the passing game one of the most potent in the NFC.
The running game has been just as impressive. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, paired with the dynamic David Montgomery, has created a balanced backfield that can keep defenses on their toes. The ability to effectively run the ball allows the Lions to dictate tempo and manage clock, providing much-needed support for the passing attack. The Lions’ offense has become one of the most well-rounded in the league, with a balance between power running and the vertical passing game.
The Defense: Grit and Grind
While the offense has garnered most of the attention, it’s important not to overlook the Lions’ defensive improvements. In recent years, Detroit’s defense had been a glaring weak spot. However, under new defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the defense has steadily grown stronger. Glenn has developed a system that utilizes the team’s strengths, allowing players like Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston to thrive.
Aidan Hutchinson, the second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has emerged as one of the league’s most promising young edge rushers. With his explosive first step, relentless motor, and strong work ethic, Hutchinson has quickly become a leader on the defensive side of the ball. His presence allows other players to shine and disrupt the quarterback, causing chaos in the backfield.
In addition to Hutchinson, the secondary has shown marked improvement. Players like cornerback Jeff Okudah, safety Kerby Joseph, and veteran corner Cameron Sutton have provided stability and depth to the defensive backfield. The defensive line has been disruptive as well, generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and limiting their time in the pocket.
One of the most underrated aspects of the Lions’ defense is their ability to force turnovers. The combination of defensive pressure and ball-hawking secondary play has made the Lions a formidable defense, something that was once unthinkable just a few seasons ago. While they may not have the elite status of other NFC defenses, their ability to force key turnovers and make timely stops has been a critical factor in their success.
Special Teams and Coaching
In addition to their offense and defense, the Lions have also benefited from solid special teams play. Kicker Riley Patterson has been reliable in the clutch, and the return game has provided solid field position throughout the season. The coaching staff, led by Dan Campbell, has been another key factor in the team’s rise. Campbell’s emotional leadership, combined with his attention to detail and tactical acumen, has created an environment in which players can succeed. He’s created a culture that believes anything is possible, and it’s evident in the way the team plays.
The NFC Playoff Picture: Can the Lions Overcome the Competition?
As the Lions enter the playoff picture in 2025, they face some stiff competition in the NFC. The San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys are all formidable teams that have the talent and experience to make deep runs in the postseason. However, the Lions have a few things that could give them an edge.
First, they are one of the most well-balanced teams in the NFC. While other teams may lean more heavily on one side of the ball, the Lions have the ability to win with both offense and defense. Second, the Lions have shown a resilience that has allowed them to win close games—an essential trait for playoff success. The NFC’s elite teams have their own strengths and weaknesses, and while the Lions may not be the most battle-tested playoff contender, they are certainly capable of surprising any opponent.
The Lions will also benefit from the element of surprise. They are not the traditional powerhouse that fans are used to seeing in the playoffs. As a result, they might be able to catch teams off guard, using their dynamic offense and opportunistic defense to their advantage. They have the tools necessary to compete against the best of the NFC, but it will ultimately come down to execution in the most critical moments.
