What is required for the Lions to achieve the Eagles’ level of success?

11. Maintaining and Enhancing the Quarterback Position

The Eagles’ success is heavily tied to their quarterback, Jalen Hurts, who has emerged as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the league. Hurts’ ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground has been a game-changer for the Eagles’ offense. For the Lions to replicate this success, they would need to establish a similarly reliable and versatile quarterback.

While Jared Goff has shown that he can be effective in Detroit’s offensive system, he has yet to reach the level of elite quarterbacks like Hurts. The Lions would need to continue developing Goff’s skills and possibly seek a long-term answer at the quarterback position if Goff’s play does not progress to the next level. Building a strong backup system and finding a way to bring in an elite signal-caller in the future could be a key move for the Lions to contend consistently.

12. Special Teams Contributions

In the NFL, special teams often go underappreciated, but they are crucial for field position, scoring, and momentum swings. The Eagles’ special teams unit has been solid, with key plays often coming in high-pressure moments. The Lions have had a strong special teams group over the years, but they must consistently perform at a high level, particularly in areas like kick returns, coverage units, and field-goal kicking. Special teams can sometimes be the difference between winning and losing tight games, and for the Lions to rise to the Eagles’ level of success, they need to have special teams contribute positively week in and week out.

13. Team Depth

Another critical aspect of the Eagles’ success is their roster depth, particularly in the trenches. The Eagles are renowned for their depth along the offensive and defensive lines. Their ability to rotate players and keep the unit fresh has been a significant advantage, especially in the postseason. This is something the Lions would need to focus on improving.

Building depth across the entire roster, from the defensive line to the wide receiver position, will give the Lions the ability to withstand injuries over the course of a long season. It would also allow them to stay competitive in every game, especially in the playoffs where depth can be the difference in tight matchups.

In particular, the Lions need to strengthen their defensive line and secondary. While players like Aidan Hutchinson have shown promise, more depth along the front seven and in the secondary is critical to consistently challenging top-tier offenses.

14. Winning in the Playoffs

While the Lions have shown great promise during the regular season, one of the key hurdles for them to overcome is performing in the postseason. The Eagles’ recent playoff success is an example of a team that understands how to execute in high-pressure situations. The Lions must prove they can not only reach the playoffs but also make deep runs and eventually win championships.

This involves developing a mentality that thrives in the postseason, as well as making sure that their top players — especially key veterans — can rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. Detroit’s coaching staff would need to adapt to the increased level of intensity in playoff games and fine-tune the team’s approach to make sure they’re primed for success.

15. Adapting to the Evolution of the NFL

The NFL is constantly evolving, and successful teams are able to adapt to new trends and styles of play. The Eagles, under head coach Nick Sirianni, have been able to adapt quickly to modern NFL strategies, incorporating aspects like RPO (Run-Pass Option) and dual-threat quarterbacks into their offensive game plan. The Lions would need to stay ahead of the curve by continuing to innovate and adjust to the changing landscape of the league.

In particular, the increased emphasis on passing, speed, and quick-strike offenses means the Lions will need to continue developing their offensive systems to keep pace with other top teams like the Eagles. Whether that involves improving their passing attack or bolstering their offensive line to ensure better pass protection, staying innovative on offense will be key.

Defensively, the Lions need to continue adapting to the evolution of the passing game. They must develop schemes that can effectively neutralize high-powered offenses, while also being able to slow down dual-threat quarterbacks like Hurts. This requires both personnel and tactical flexibility in order to maximize their defense’s potential.

16. Culture of Accountability and Consistency

The Eagles’ success is underpinned by a strong team culture, led by their coaching staff and key leaders in the locker room. The Lions have made notable strides in developing a more cohesive and accountable culture under Dan Campbell’s leadership, but sustaining that culture over multiple seasons is key.

One of the hallmarks of the Eagles’ program has been the way they maintain discipline and a focus on fundamentals, even during tough stretches of the season. For the Lions, establishing a similar culture of accountability — where every player, coach, and staff member holds themselves and each other to the highest standards — would be crucial to achieving long-term success.

It is important to note that such a culture doesn’t just come from the coaching staff but also from leadership within the locker room. Veterans who have been to the playoffs or won championships can help set the tone and ensure the team stays focused on the bigger goal. Leadership by example, along with an emphasis on team-first mentalities, will go a long way in transforming the Lions into a perennial contender.

17. Resource Management and Cap Flexibility

Financial management plays an integral role in building a long-term winner. The Eagles have done an excellent job of balancing their salary cap and roster-building strategies, giving them the flexibility to bring in key players at crucial moments without compromising their future financial health.

The Lions must prioritize smart investments, particularly in free agency, and make sure that their long-term financial plans align with the team’s goals. Managing the cap well allows a team to retain its star players while also adding key depth pieces. Additionally, leveraging trades or free-agent signings in positions of need, such as cornerback or defensive tackle, can propel the Lions to a higher level of competition.

It’s essential for the Lions to find ways to maximize the value of their contracts and make sure that they’re operating efficiently in terms of their cap space. By having that financial flexibility, they can make the necessary moves to elevate their roster without putting their future at risk.

18. Continued Focus on Mental Toughness

Mental toughness is often what separates good teams from great ones, particularly when it comes to postseason football. The Eagles have demonstrated incredible resilience in their Super Bowl victories, coming from behind and overcoming adversity. This is a trait the Lions must develop.

Building mental toughness means ensuring that players are equipped to handle pressure situations. Developing resilience can be cultivated through experience, but it also requires a consistent focus on preparation, mindset, and emotional control. The Lions, who have shown strong resolve in recent seasons, need to continue fostering this mental toughness to close out games, particularly in the postseason, when the pressure is at its peak.

19. Keeping a Long-Term Vision

Finally, one of the key components of the Eagles’ sustained success is their ability to look beyond just the current season. The Eagles have focused on building a championship-contending team year after year, making sure their long-term vision is consistent with short-term goals.

For the Lions, this means not getting caught up in one season’s results, whether positive or negative. While immediate success is important, maintaining a long-term focus is critical to ensuring that the Lions can remain competitive for years to come. This could involve ensuring that younger players are developed properly, keeping the roster balanced, and preparing for future years while also focusing on present-day success.