For years, the Detroit Lions were nothing more than tame Cubs. Between 2018 and 2021, the franchise finished in last place in the NFC North four times. After a good 2022 season, they are baring their teeth and attacking the playoffs thanks to a new addition or two.

For years, the Detroit Lions were tame Cubs at best. Between 2018 and 2021, the franchise finished in last place in the NFC North four straight times – not a single time did they have a positive record.

Everything changed last season when the Lions, with a young, hungry squad led by Jared Goff, Jamaal Williams and German-American Amon-Ra St. Brown, finished the regular season in second place in their division with a record of 9-8, narrowly missing the playoffs.

Young Lions got a mane

The tame Cubs had suddenly become biting lions with a mane. And now? Now the Lions are finally baring their teeth and getting ready for an assault – the assault on the playoffs.

At least, that’s what the approach of Detroit officials this offseason shows. The recent transfer coup involving C.J. Gardner-Johnson alone is the best indication of the Lions’ reinforcements.

Lions coup with Gardner-Johnson

The former Philadelphia Eagles star was one of the top players remaining in free agency. The Lions signed the safety to a one-year deal on extremely good terms of around eight million US dollars. Last season, he shared first place in interceptions with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Justin Simmons and Tariq Woolen with six picks.

Gardner-Johnson is an old acquaintance. At least to head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. All three worked together in 2019 with the New Orleans Saints, from whom the safety was drafted at the time.

Lions want to “leave their mark “

Detroit has thus turned its own secondary completely inside out. Finally, in addition to Gardner-Johnson, cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley were signed. It is a reaction to last season, in which the Lions conceded the third most passing yards in the entire NFL.

Sutton also made the first announcement right away during his introduction. “We’re not just here to show up in the building and say we’re a part of the league,” the cornerback said. “We’re ready to leave our mark. “

This doesn’t just apply in the defensive backfield, though. While they recently had to deal with the departure of one-time fan favorite and top running back Jamaal Williams to the New Orleans Saints, they shouldn’t have too much trouble after his reckoning.

Montgomery and Swift form running back duo

As the Lions have already found adequate replacements. Running back David Montgomery comes to Detroit from direct division rival Chicago Bears and will form the duo in the offensive backfield with D’Andre Swift in future.

Montgomery is already looking forward to working with the “bad” Swift, as he says himself. However, the newcomer only refers to Swift’s behaviour on the field.

So while the Lions around general manager Brad Holmes have focused on working on their weak points, the other teams in the NFC North seem to have a lot less going on at the moment.

Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on the way out for the Green Bay Packers. The Bears have a good quarterback in Justin Fields, but last season (3-14) doesn’t really make them a serious contender.

The Minnesota Vikings won the division last year with a record of 14-4, but Kirk Cousins and Co. have also overperformed a bit in 2022.

Lions pick twice in Round 1

Good possibility, then, that the Lions’ hour has struck. Because it’s also important to remember that Detroit will also be a major player in the draft with picks (6, 18, 48 and 55).

If wide receiver St. Brown (1161 receiving yards/ 6 touchdowns), quarterback Goff (29 touchdowns/ 7 interceptions) and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (3 interceptions/ 9.5 sacks) also deliver, the Lions should be serious playoff contenders.

Winning the NFC North – which would automatically put Detroit in the playoffs – doesn’t seem out of the question either.

Detroit Lions have a taste for it

The Detroit Lions pack is still, or should we say more than ever, loaded with young, talented and hungry players, each of whom is baring their teeth.

Just like the entire team.