Patience is the key for Detroit Lions fans in 2021
As an NFL fan, going into a season as a fan of a team with low expectations is never easy. Unfortunately, this is something Detroit Lions fans are all too familiar with. There have been glimpses of excitement at times, but for the most part a below .500 record has been the norm and sadly the expectation.
Patience will be key with the Campbell-Holmes regime. With the trade of quarterback Matthew Stafford, this is the first time Detroit fans have seen a full-on rebuild since 2008. It will take a year or two before we start to see real progress in terms of win-loss record. This tends to be tiresome especially when it isn’t out of the ordinary.
It is important to not focus on the record in the coming season, but rather focus on the small wins. Focus on watching development of young players like cornerback Jeff Okudah and offensive tackle Penei Sewell. Focus on the excitement and energy head coach Dan Campbell brings to the locker room. Focus on the little things that go into building a winning organization rather than the surface-level win total.
In terms of small wins, I believe we are already starting to see the energy in the locker room change. The players seem to be buying in to the life that Campbell has brought to Detroit and that is the type of thing that can give fans hope that this regime will not be like before.
Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have already made tough decisions such as trading quarterback Matthew Stafford and cutting long snapper Don Muhlbach and proved they are serious about this rebuild. It is refreshing to finally feel like the Lions are going all in to try and build to the top rather than remain mediocre. There is nothing more frustrating than constantly sitting in the middle of the pack.
light. More. Lions players have bought in to Dan Campbell; Should you?
Although this year may not see as many wins as Detroit Lions fans may want, it is important to be patient with the new regime. They bring an energy to the organization that has been lacking in recent history and that is exciting. Fans should focus on the small wins this year and enjoy seeing progress even if it may not be in the win column.