Viewpoint | The Lions enjoyed a season that was worthy of a Super Bowl.
Introduction: A Season of Promise
The 2024 Detroit Lions’ season was one for the history books. From the first whistle of the season to the last, fans were treated to a thrilling and at times emotional journey, one that demonstrated just how much this team had grown under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. There’s no denying that the Lions had a season worthy of a Super Bowl, even if the ultimate prize eluded them. But while their playoff run may have ended in disappointment, the 2024 season was a testament to the franchise’s newfound culture, resilience, and potential.
Leadership at the Helm
The Lions’ success started with the steady leadership of Dan Campbell. Known for his passionate speeches and love of the game, Campbell led the team with an intensity and commitment that was infectious. His philosophy—”to bite kneecaps”—resonated with a team that had long been mired in mediocrity. No longer were they the perennial underdogs; they were contenders. Campbell’s approach to team building and his ability to motivate his players elevated the franchise in a way that was visible not only on the field but also in the locker room and throughout the city of Detroit.
General manager Brad Holmes also deserves significant credit. His shrewd drafting and strategic moves in free agency laid the foundation for the Lions’ rise. With standout players on both sides of the ball, Holmes’ eye for talent and his ability to build depth ensured that Detroit would not just be competitive for one season, but for years to come. Holmes’ focus on high-character players who bought into the team-first mentality made a world of difference.
The High-Flying Offense
From an offensive standpoint, 2024 was a season where the Lions’ offense dominated. The team scored 564 total points, a franchise record, and finished with the fourth-highest point differential in NFL history (+222). The offense was potent, explosive, and versatile, capable of scoring at any moment and from anywhere on the field. This high-powered unit was led by quarterback Jared Goff, whose resurgence in Detroit continued to be one of the best stories in the NFL.
Goff, in his third season with the Lions, put together a career year, throwing for over 4,500 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions. His chemistry with star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who earned All-Pro honors, was undeniable. St. Brown proved himself as one of the league’s elite wideouts, recording 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns. His ability to make contested catches and get open in critical moments made him the centerpiece of the offense.
The running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery was another reason for the offense’s success. Gibbs, the explosive rookie out of Alabama, quickly became a weapon in both the running and passing game. His speed and vision allowed him to break big plays, while Montgomery’s power running style complemented him well. Despite Montgomery’s injury midseason, the Lions’ depth at running back was evident, as Gibbs stepped up to carry the load.
The offensive line, often overlooked but crucial to success, was another area where the Lions shined. Under the leadership of offensive line coach Hank Fraley, the line consistently created lanes for the running game and gave Goff the time needed to distribute the ball to his playmakers. The continuity and chemistry among the line’s starters ensured that the offense remained balanced and effective all year long.
Defensive Resilience: A Step Forward
While the offense garnered much of the attention, the Lions’ defense also had its share of key moments. The unit finished ranked 7th in the NFL in fewest points allowed, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was notably better than the porous defense the Lions had fielded in recent years. This improvement was largely due to the play of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who emerged as one of the best pass rushers in the league. Hutchinson’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and make plays in crucial moments was invaluable. He finished the season with 16 sacks and continued to show why he was selected as the second overall pick in the 2022 draft.
The Lions’ defensive line as a whole was significantly improved, with veterans like John Cominsky and Michael Brockers stepping up to provide pressure on the quarterback. The depth of the defensive line helped take some of the burden off Hutchinson, allowing him to continue thriving.
In the secondary, cornerback Jeff Okudah had a breakthrough season. After struggling with injuries early in his career, Okudah finally lived up to his potential as a top-tier cornerback. His ability to shut down top receivers and provide solid coverage in key situations was crucial for the defense’s success. Along with him, veteran safety Tracy Walker emerged as a leader in the secondary, playing smart, physical football.
There were growing pains on the defensive side of the ball. Injuries to key players like linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and defensive tackle Alim McNeill forced some reshuffling of the lineup. Yet despite these setbacks, the defense was able to hold steady and give the offense enough support to win games. The defense wasn’t dominant, but it made timely stops when needed, allowing the Lions to hold on to leads and secure victories.
Special Teams and Depth
Special teams was another area where the Lions saw significant improvement. Kicker Riley Patterson was nearly perfect throughout the season, and punter Jack Fox continued to provide excellent field position for the defense. The return game, led by Kalif Raymond and a few contributions from Gibbs, was a solid source of field position as well.
Depth became a theme as well. When injuries hit key players, others stepped up without missing a beat. Whether it was a backup wide receiver, offensive lineman, or linebacker, the Lions were a team where everyone was ready to contribute when called upon. This depth was a key component in their success, as they were able to weather the storms that inevitably came over the course of the season.
The Playoff Push: Rising Expectations
The Lions entered the 2024 playoffs with sky-high expectations, not only because they had the best regular-season record in franchise history but also because of the team’s dominant performances throughout the season. They had earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the first time in franchise history, which brought a new sense of excitement and optimism for fans who had long been accustomed to disappointment.
However, their playoff run was short-lived. In the Divisional Round, the Lions were stunned by the Washington Commanders, who pulled off a 45-31 upset. The loss was disheartening for many, but it underscored the volatility of the postseason. Despite the explosive offense and resilient defense, the Lions couldn’t overcome their mistakes in a high-stakes game. Turnovers, missed opportunities, and defensive lapses ultimately sealed their fate.
The playoff loss stung, but it didn’t diminish the accomplishments of the season. It only highlighted that while the Lions were close, they were still a few steps away from winning the ultimate prize. There was disappointment, but there was also a sense of optimism. This team had made it further than anyone had expected and had shown they were capable of competing with the best.
A Bright Future
Despite the playoff exit, the 2024 season for the Detroit Lions was a major success. They had set franchise records, developed a winning culture, and given their fans hope for the future. The Lions had become a legitimate contender in the NFC, and the pieces were in place for them to build on this success in the coming years.
The key to their future will lie in continued development. The young core, led by players like Goff, St. Brown, Hutchinson, and Gibbs, has the potential to evolve into one of the most dangerous units in the league. With Brad Holmes continuing to shape the roster and Dan Campbell at the helm, the Lions are poised to be a Super Bowl contender for years to come.
In the end, the 2024 season wasn’t just about the playoffs or the Super Bowl. It was about changing the narrative. It was about proving that the Detroit Lions were no longer a team to be overlooked. The future is bright, and the Lions are on the verge of something special.
