The Detroit Lions have won a division title for the first time in three decades.
The 11-4 Lions, who are tied for the top record in the NFC with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, have double-digit wins for the first time since 2014 and are in contention for the conference’s No. 1 seed, but not everyone believes they will be a legitimate factor in the postseason.
Former Arizona Cardinals All-Pro receiver Larry Fitzgerald is one of them, saying on the newest episode of the “Let’s Go” podcast, which he co-hosts with Tom Brady and Jim Gray, that he’s not a fan of Detroit’s track record of mediocrity.
“Look, you can say that I’m the Grinch right now, but a team that hasn’t won a division championship since 1993, it’s hard for you to take them that serious,” Fitzgerald went on to remark. “It’s just taken a long time.” Yes, they are performing admirably, but they are the Detroit Lions. It’s really difficult to get enthused about what they can accomplish in the playoffs. You want to watch this fantastic battle against the Cowboys. It’s an excellent preparation for the playoffs.”
#Lions HC Dan Campbell called the timing of this Dallas game "perfect." He said you couldn't "write a better script," because "it gives you a real idea of where you're at because this is one of the top teams in the NFC and we're out at their place where they play their best."
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) December 28, 2023
While Fitzgerald’s concern is fair given Detroit’s 16 losing seasons and three playoff appearances since 2000, the team has made significant progress in head coach Dan Campbell’s third season.
The Lions are third in total offense and fifth in scoring offense, with quarterback Jared Goff ranking third in passing yards (third), touchdowns (third), and passer rating (sixth), and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown tied for third in receptions, fifth in receiving yards, and seventh in touchdowns (eight).
Running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs both have rushing yards and touchdowns that rank in the top 12 in the league. Detroit’s defense improved from 32nd to 15th this season, as did their run defense, which improved from 29th to fourth.
The Lions would reach the 12-win mark for the first time since 1991 if they beat the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday or the Minnesota Vikings on December 7. That season, Detroit also won its division (the now-defunct NFC Central) and its lone postseason victory since the 1970 merger.
Ben Johnson accepts full responsibility as Lions failed to end with the football versus the Vikings.
