Can the Detroit Lions achieve the “Next Level” in 2018?
The video yearbook for the 2017 Detroit Lions deems them ready to step up to the “Next Level.” What that level will be is anyone’s guess.
On Monday, the NFL Network broadcast the new team yearbooks for the entire NFC North. These videos, produced by “NFL Films,” are always an enjoyable watch.
Every team is given a title befitting NFL parity, which boils down to: could this be the year? Here are the titles for the 2017 video yearbooks in the NFC North division:
- Chicago Bears – “Emerging”
- Green Bay Packers – “Resilient”
- Minnesota Vikings – “Skol Vikings”
- Detroit Lions – “Next Level”
In case you are wondering, the “Skol” in the Vikings video title is in reference to a Nordic word meaning “Cheers.” So, I actually learned something. Plus, this is now another way for me to refer to my favorite sitcom set in a Boston sports bar. Now, I just need to find a Nordic word for “Seinfeld.”
WHICH LEVEL?
Anyway, it is the choice of title for the Detroit Lions that is of interest. The reference point for this “Next Level” title is made by the narrator, who says the following in the final moments of the video: “The steps have been taken to transform the Detroit Lions to the next level.”
This goal is best summed up in the video by general manager Bob Quinn, who says, “the most important relationship in this building is between the head coach and the general manager.”
So much is riding on this season, and particularly on the hiring of head coach Matt Patricia. Coach Patricia does not seem to have the same luxuries afforded most rookie head coaches. There are heavy expectations in 2018, and it is hard to say if they can be met.
Let’s remember, in Quinn’s first two seasons he posted identical 9 and 7 records. While these two winning records only resulted in one playoff appearance, Detroit is firmly set in the middle of the league.
The Detroit Lions are nowhere near the dregs of the NFL, which would be in the six or less wins range. And they are not elite either, which would be in the 12 or more win range. But the leap to 12 wins isn’t so bad when you are already at nine.
BIG CHANGES AHEAD
Patricia, in particular, is expected to bring a big defensive scheme change. This change will impact many players on that side of the ball.
Will this change mean a leap in success? Or will it mean a year of growing pains? No one can be sure how the personnel will fit this year. And exactly what the role of each player will be.
Not signing defensive end Ezekial Ansah to a long-term deal this week is a sign of how murky things are on the defensive side of the ball. Ansah’s role on this team could be huge and mean a big payout next season by Detroit. Or he could be ineffective and the Lions could move forward without him.
On the other side of the ball, a lot of focus is on balancing the offensive attack with a running game. There is no question that an effective rush attack would be welcomed. The question lies in whether or not Quinn secured the necessary talent to make that happen.
The acquisitions of running backs LeGarrette Blount and Kerryon Johnson, along with guard Frank Ragnow, have signaled a commitment to yardage on the ground. But what if it doesn’t happen?
Will offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter be blamed?
Will Quinn himself be blamed for not securing the right guys?
If it doesn’t work again this year, it seems sure that someone’s head is going to roll. That is a lot of assets focused on one particular thing. And to show nothing for it would be unacceptable.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
What is most upsetting is that there is a good chance that Detroit will win between 7 and 10 games this year. This may mean a playoff berth but probably would result in a playoff loss on the road, which Lions fans have grown accustomed.
So is this year really going to be the leap to the ‘next level,’ or just another year stuck in neutral? That’s a good title for the 2018 yearbook:
“Stuck in Neutral: the 2018 Detroit Lions.”
Doesn’t leave much hope for 2019, now does it?
THE GREAT LEAP OF A LION
Now, we just need to reach the next… well, you know.
A title that would be nice for next year’s yearbook: “World Champions.” Yeah, I know that is a lot to ask. How about “Kings of the Division” as the title? Or maybe “One Playoff Win Closer” is a more reasonable title?
So much can happen this year. It is why pro football is so exciting. That excitement will slowly build as training camp begins next week. And then the preseason will give the fans its first glimpses of the possibilities.
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Then in September, the games will count for real. And many Detroit Lions fans will sustain concussions from banging their heads into the wall. But there will also be the season-long hoarse voice from all that passionate cheering.
That’s when the Detroit Lions can go ‘next level.’ Hopefully, that level is above, not below.