What can Detroit Lions learn from the Super Bowl?

While the Super Bowl lacked excitement, it has some teachable points for the Detroit Lions. What can the team learn from this year’s game?

The Detroit Lions were once again just an organization on the sidelines while the Super Bowl was being played. It’s been this way for 53 years; nothing new. It’s been a long time since the glory days in the 1950s and winning championships before the Super Bowl existed.

As the Lions move past 62 years since their last championship, what could they learn from the most recent championship game? Surprise, surprise – defense does win championships!

Not everyone was a fan of the defensive battle that took place between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams. But what we all saw before our eyes was fundamental football. Fundamental defense. Everyone doing their job to stop offenses that were supposed to light up the scoreboard.

Head coach Matt Patricia is a year removed from the Patriots organization that keeps on winning. And now it’s time for him to bring that mentality to Detroit. The thing is, he’s already started. If it makes fans feel better, the Lions beat this year’s champion. Handily. Like, not even close. Start to finish, shut them down and scored on them.

What can be learned from this? The Detroit Lions defense needs to be more consistent. While playmakers on the defensive side of the ball would certainly help, Super Bowl 53 showed they aren’t necessarily needed, either. Consistent, sound defense from hardworking players can suffice.

Yes, there were stars on each side of the ball for the Patriots and the Rams. But they didn’t even make the most noise during the game. They combined for a handful (or less) plays that were even close to exciting. Exciting football doesn’t always win.

Sacks didn’t even seem that prevalent. The Patriots had four and the Rams had one. And one of those was simply quarterback Jared Goff running out of bounds instead of throwing the ball away. So, while defensive pressure on the quarterback is important, the bigger factor in success is the protection of the offensive line.

Seriously, this is nothing exciting and nothing flashy. Heck, it’s not even close to a secret. Blocking for your quarterback leads to success. Stopping the opposing offense leads to success. It’s so cliche. So bland and boring. It’s basic fundamental football. That’s it. And that’s all that Super Bowl 53 was.

It’s a simple concept. And the Detroit Lions could easily improve by adding players that are great at the fundamentals. Making game-changing plays are always helpful. But this Super Bowl didn’t have any of those until the Rams were desperate and Goff heaved up an interception.

Fundamental football. That’s what the Lions can learn from Sunday’s game. A lot of it leads to victory. It won’t be flashy or exciting, but it will win games. A win is a win, no matter how it happens. It’s time for this team to start winning.