Detroit Lions can surpass the Cleveland Browns for NFL relevance

Just win baby

The former owner of the Oakland Raiders, the late Al Davis coined the phrase “Just win baby” and boy oh boy is it ever so applicable to gaining relevance in the NFL or any other professional league for that matter.

Winning cures all and there is absolutely no quicker way to relevance in the NFL than by winning more games than you lose. Hype comes and goes but the bottom line is always the almighty W.

The Lions haven’t had a playoff win since they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 38-6 in the 1991 Divisional Round and they’ve had 17 losing seasons since that lone victory.

No matter how you slice it, a history like that is not one you can just emerge from in just a single season with perhaps the most heralded head coaching hire in the long history of the organization.

It takes time for a rebuild and achieving relevance through a foundation of success that paves the way for more wins than losses will swiftly erase any remaining stigma.

I recognize that Cleveland is not Detroit’s direct competition, the Lions’ biggest battle is against themselves and their sordid football history. They also just so happen to have to play against three highly capable divisional foes twice a year as well!

Still though, as we progress towards the 2019 season and beyond, as long as the Lions continue to maximize their strengths, minimize their deficiencies, and continue to grow into a cohesive unit, their day of relevance is coming.

Once that day comes (and the wins along with it!) maybe even the perpetual underdog Detroit Lions could earn the title of “America’s Team.”

Now, who wouldn’t love that great come-from-behind underdog story?! Cleveland seems to have found their formula last year and I believe the Lions will find theirs in 2019.