Who is the Detroit Lions unsung hero of this fast start to the season?

Why the Lions are winning

Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia made several moves in the offseason with the singular goal of having this franchise ready to compete this year. Since both were hand-picked from the New England tree, it is no surprise that they feel like there is no point in issuing the pads if the Lions aren’t going to be contending for a title.

Unlike some past administrations were it seemed like the modest goal was to make it through the year without embarrassing themselves too much, the unflinching focus of Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia is winning the Super Bowl.

Nothing else in the game matters if it doesn’t lead to winning it all.

Therefore it is safe to say that with what has to be considered a successful start to the season so far, combined with actually looking and feeling like a team that is taking steps towards contention, there are reasons why the Lions have been able to make that jump.

One thing that should not be overlooked is the coaching. Matt Patricia appears to be a new coach this year. He has learned from his mistakes and his staff overall is helping the team improve on a weekly basis.

The defense is slowly getting traction and one can see how this unit is developing and improving.

The hiring of Darrell Bevell was crucial to moving the Lions offense out of neutral and creating a more diversified product on the field. A more productive offense that has only scraped the surface of how productive it can be.

Needless to say, all schemes mean little without players that can actually run them.

In the case of the defense, the secondary has played much better than expected so far. Even though they were severely banged-up against the Chiefs and missing their two best players in Darius Slay and Quandre Diggs, who went down early in the game to injury, they hung in there and played as well as could be expected against an explosive Chief offense.

Second-round pick Jahlani Tavai has already shown his worth and the best is yet to come from him and Derek Kennard can make a case for himself as the defensive MVP so far. Meanwhile, the defensive line has been coming together slowly and continues to work through injuries of its own. They do need to play better even under the current circumstances but have at least been serviceable.

On offense, there is little to say except that Matthew Stafford has regained his gunslinger swagger and bounced back with a vengeance from last season. Kerryon Johnson broke out against the Chiefs and the Lions receivers have taken turns from week to week with burning opposing secondaries.

Suffice it to say there is no lacking of players that are making a strong difference between this season’s success so far and the disappointment of last year.