The Detroit Lions experienced a bittersweet end to an otherwise amazing run last season.
After securing 12 victories and clinching the NFC North title for the first time in the division’s history, the Lions faced a devastating collapse in the NFC Championship Game.
Leading by 17 points at halftime, they ultimately lost by a final score of 34-31 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers.
The crushing loss has left All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and the rest of the team with a significant chip on their shoulders. Their season’s rough end in the Bay Area has only fueled their determination to succeed.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, St. Brown spoke out and delivered a strong message.
“Even though we’re not the underdog, we still feel like we are. We still feel like teams think we’re the same old Lions.”
Historically, the Lions have struggled to establish themselves as a winning franchise.
Since 2000, they have made the playoffs just five times. Prior to last season, their last playoff victory dated back to the 1991 season, and they have never reached the Super Bowl.
However, the arrival of head coach Dan Campbell in 2021 marked a turning point for the team.
Under his leadership, the Lions initially posted a 3-13-1 record. The subsequent season saw them improve to a 9-8 finish, securing their first winning record since 2017.
Last year, the Detroit Lions captivated the league, coming close to their first Super Bowl appearance. Their impressive turnaround can be attributed to the stellar play from key players such as St. Brown, Pro Bowl quarterback Jared Goff, and Pro Bowl edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, among others.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Lions respond to the unfinished business left on the field last year.
With the pain of their near-miss still fresh, Detroit is poised to push even harder to get to the Super Bowl. It will be interesting to see if they can put together an even better season in 2024.
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