Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford can win this division

The Detroit Lions have impressed the past three weeks. But the goals are now loftier than ever. The division is winnable, and it is time for a real result.

Leading up to this past Sunday’s game, the thought process was how to excuse a blow-out loss to arguably the best team in the NFL: the Kansas City Chiefs. The Detroit Lions instead added to the previous two weeks impressive wins and gave the Chiefs all that they had – and enough to actually beat them.

Of course, the result Sunday was a loss. But the game was thrilling. There were some lows (turnovers and inexplicable calls), but also some highs (first signs of a real ground attack and a quarterback that was ready to lead).

On Monday’s Pro Football Talk Live, host Mike Florio spoke of the Detroit Lions battle with the Chiefs. While all praise should be heaped on the victor, Florio also had some nice thoughts about the men wearing the throwback Honolulu Blue and Silver uniforms (09-30-19, “#3”):

"“I do like where the Lions are now. The problem is the Packers are three and one. The Bears are three and one. The Vikings are two and two. There’s gonna be some tough games in the division for the Detroit Lions. But they showed that they can hang tough against one of the best teams in the league, and that’s gonna give them confidence for those games.”"

The Detroit Lions might be in the best division in football. But they need to start seeing themselves as one of the reasons why it is the best division.

After that tie against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, this team looked destined for mediocrity. These last three games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chiefs have proven that the Lions are among the good (but not yet great) teams in the NFL.

To win two out of three against those opponents (who are all considered Super Bowl contenders) says a lot about this franchise. And even in the loss, the Lions would not let the mistakes, missed opportunities, and even the bad calls keep them from trying to win the game.

Head coach Matt Patricia, along with general manager Bob Quinn, has begun to transform this franchise. It really looks like a culture change is beginning to take hold. And that change is most evident with their signal-caller – quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Stafford is being asked to play winning football. It isn’t about statistics. It isn’t about putting the entire team on his shoulders. It is about Stafford playing the position as it was meant to be played. And it looks like he has bought into what it will take to actually lead this team.

After this upcoming bye week, the next two games are crucial. And both are very winnable. Monday Night Football at the Green Bay Packers is a tough game and environment. But with two weeks to both heal and prepare, the Lions should have an advantage.

The following week is a home tilt with the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. The Vikings still have a ferocious defense, but quarterback Kirk Cousins looks indecisive and very beatable thus far this season. The Minnesota game is a must-win for the Detroit Lions – no matter what happens against the Packers – because it is at home.

There is a consistency and a depth that is forming on this roster. Last year was tough to watch. But now the growing pains of a season ago looks like an important first step towards purging this roster, and getting players that buy-in to this current plan.

Barring a freak injury – lose Stafford and the season is definitely over – the Detroit Lions have enough to win this division. This team is ready. And trust me, trepidation accompanies every stroke of my keyboard. To be a Lions fan is to know your share of letdowns.

With the way this team is playing, being coached, and the astounding depth they are showing at certain positions, they can win this division. The Detroit Lions must seize an opportunity to start down that Super Bowl road. Collecting a Lombardi Trophy will not happen this year, but it can be seen just over the horizon.

As the Lions look to that horizon, it may seem a bit hazy. Is that a layer of smog blocking out that Super Bowl appearance? But if they keep working the way they are, that championship goal will become clearer (and more attainable) by the day.

Not since the days of running back Barry Sanders have I been so proud of this team’s efforts. Back then, it was just the excitement of watching the greatest player to ever wear a Detroit uniform. But now it is a real team with a chance to build something special.