How much urgency are the Detroit Lions really feeling?

So as the Lions prepare for the start of training camp next week, is this team realistically a Super Bowl contender? For many, the improved offense would have them believe that it may be a possibility. For those who believe in the old theory that ‘defense wins championships’, there is much doubt.

This brings into question the thought that if Bob Quinn believes the last three seasons were not good enough, is he then overestimating the team they have assembled which will have to be markedly better just to finish with a 9-7 record again or is he simply committed to the process that when they have eventually assembled enough talent through the draft they will naturally become contenders? Even if it isn’t this season?

The answer, I’m afraid, would have to be that Quinn and Patricia are committed to the process. Do they want to win now? Absolutely. Neither Quinn nor Patricia are willing to accept losing, but they also are willing to be practical in their assessment of this team.

They will not make any moves that will jeopardize the future of this team and what they are building. Which means going on a free agency spending spree or trading all their depth for big-name players isn’t going to happen.

But there is one natural move teams that believe they are ready to contend do; they do find the money to add that one or two players they think will make them champions.

The Lions could have found the money to sign free agent nose-tackle Johnathan Hankins who would have instantly upgraded their defensive line which is still questionable or they could have traded for Rob Gronkowski to upgrade the tight end position and make the offense virtually unstoppable.

Yet they didn’t.

Those two non-moves speak volumes about where they believe this team is. Improving and with the right guidance a team that can make the playoffs and possibly even win a game, but not a team that is ready to win it all.

The window of opportunity is still opening for these Lions. It has been estimated that with compensatory picks included, the Lions will have around 11 picks in next years draft. If Quinn continues to demonstrate the ability to find talent, then the window will stay open for a bit despite the fact that no true successor to Matthew Stafford is on the team now.

Next: Detroit Lions: The best draft picks of the past decade

The truth is that these Lions, if Patricia can work some magic on this defense, are a playoff contender. And they are even good enough to get that first elusive playoff win since 1991. But they still have enough question marks to keep them from being a serious Super Bowl contender. Which means that winning will be a luxury this year more than a mandate.