Has Hell frozen over? Are pigs flying? The answers to those questions are uncertain, but there is one sure thing: The NFC must go through Detroit to get to New Orleans. The Lions are the NFL’s best team! Yes, I said it! Not only the top seed in the NFC for the first time in team history but the absolute best team in the NFL! After a dominating performance Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, the Motor City gritty kitties proved themselves worthy of the title of the back-to-back NFC North division champs for the 1st time since the 1950s.
Takeaways From Lions Week 18 Win
With the huge victory on “Sunday Night Football,” the Detroit Lions solidified their spot atop the NFC. They dominated the also, at the time, 14-2 Minnesota Vikings. This was the biggest regular season game in team history and possibly NFL history! There have never been two teams with 14 wins to play each other in regular season play. Detroit fans proved that Ford Field may have turned into the most difficult place for opposing teams to play in. The fans have been waiting for a team like this for 60 years. The city has been electric and it’s a wonderful thing to be a part of.
With the league’s most depleted, injury-filled team, especially on defense, the next-man-up mentality has been fully embraced and perfected. It seems like Dan Campbell and Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn look behind them and say, “Hey kid, can you play (insert position here)!” The latest standout is Cornerback Amik Robertson, who did a great job shutting down star Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson. Glenn was able to take advantage of Sam Darnold’s tendency to hold onto the football slightly longer than the average QB.
The defense, at times, seems like the “Island of Misfit Toys,” with it being duct taped together from all the injuries. Yet Glenn is proving duct tape can fix everything! If you don’t by now, Jahmyr Gibbs is HIM! Sonic joined Al Bundy in scoring four touchdowns in one game, tying a Lions’ franchise record! The “Donut Lord’s” little buddy was the NFL’s league leader in touchdowns with 19 this season, also setting a new single-season record for the Lions. Remember when fans didn’t want to see Jamaal Williams leave? Then they drafted Gibbs, and fans thought, “wtf!” We are now seeing the genius of General Manager Brad Holmes.
Lions Look Scary Heading Into Playoffs
What team is going to want to go into Ford Field this postseason? The answer is no one! Detroit now gets the much-needed rest with the first-round bye. The league is wondering if Darnold will get a big payday in the offseason, and Glenn’s defense made him look like the same old Sammy D that we saw in New York and Carolina.
The Lions also have the chance to get some key names back from injury throughout the playoffs. Alex Anzalone returned to the team for Week 18 and made an immediate impact. David Montgomery will be expected back looking for a “hot tag” from Sonic, so he can knuckle up against opposing defenses.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell fell into a similar trap that a lot of coaches do when playing the Lions. Dan Campbell’s aggressive nature seems to make other teams forget their own identity. The Minnesota Vikings were one of the least aggressive teams in the NFL this season, and O’Connell tried to out “Dan Gamble” Dan Campbell by going for it on two separate 4th and goal red zone trips, coming up empty on both.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Lions are undoubtedly the best team in the NFL. I know it doesn’t feel real. Regardless of who’s on the field, who’s in, who’s out, it simply doesn’t matter! This coaching staff has their guys ready to rip the opponent’s head off every week. Fans used to wonder what it would be like if Barry Sanders had an offensive line like the old ’90s Cowboys teams. I think we are seeing it with Gibbs. Crazy that they have this success with such a “civilian” at QB. As Dan Campbell said, “Jared Goff, you are good enough for us!”
