The Detroit Lions have taken a Moneyball approach this offseason

Closing

Jan 15, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew (left) , head coach Jim Caldwell and president Tom Lewand pose for a photo during a press conference at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

This is not just a theory I’ve cooked up for the fun of it. The Patriots and Packers also have some of the best cap situations in the league. They realize names don’t win games. The Packers don’t always beat the Lions because they are chock full of recognizable names, they always win because they have always been an actual team.

Teams like the Broncos and Buccaneers are perfect examples of how throwing money at name band players doesn’t win you a Super Bowl. In Tampa’s case, it couldn’t even get them to the playoffs. Money can buy a lot of things in the NFL, but it clearly does not buy wins or championships.

In closing, what the Athletics learned is that they can be an exciting playoff caliber team by being just that, a team. The Lions are realizing that now. They quickly found that you shouldn’t be buying 70 yard touchdowns, you should be buying 1st downs. You should take tackles and sacks over sacks and penalties and win first and look good second.The Detroit Lions are finally becoming a TEAM.

What do you think? Are you not convinced by this method? Do you think the Lions have made the right decisions? Leave your comments below and be sure to follow us on Twitter @SideLionReport and @Lionmike26