Detroit Lions: Why do fans think ‘progress’ is a dirty word?
By Robert Jones
Winning comes from building a franchise right
It’s been over 60 years since the Lions’ last world championship back in 1957. We all get it, we’re out of patience and want to win.
That is an absolutely reasonable response to the idea of being patient in consideration of what this franchise has fed us for all those years. Yet we all have to look hard at where the franchise is today.
The Bob Quinn/Matt Patricia era will be remembered as one of the lowest points in the history of a franchise that has specialized in low points. Visualize the Detroit Lions as a Pinto. The previous regime ran it off the road after an all-night kegger and the local repair shop just finished prying it loose from the tree it ran into.
Like it or not, you’re not taking it out for a spin today.
In the real world, we would just buy a new car. In the NFL you’re stuck with the model you have. Now a Pinto in this league can be transformed into Maserati. It just doesn’t happen overnight.
Matthew Stafford is gone. So is Marvin Jones as well as Golladay. The passing game seems to be back at square one. However, the offensive line is actually already receiving kudos from around the league and is expected to rank among the best in the trenches this year.
They still have to prove it, but along with talented backs like D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, the Lions should run the ball pretty well.
The defensive line has talent and depth. It has a chance to start making an impact at the point of attack. Linebacker is still a concern and the secondary needs more depth, but there should still be a noticeable difference up front, especially given a more aggressive system.
Does this solve all the Lions’ problems? No. But it does make a foundation to build upon. It also creates an opportunity to watch how the line play in the Motor City develops this season.
Sure we all want to win, but winning comes from building a franchise right and it usually doesn’t happen overnight. I don’t want to be patient myself, but if we see progress in the trenches, then as more talent is acquired things will only get better.