Detroit Lions land with easy reason to be optimistic in 2022

When thinking of reasons for the Detroit Lions to be optimistic in 2022 and beyond, The 33rd Team has landed with an easy one.

With a solid finish to last year’s 3-13-1 campaign, the Detroit Lions have reasons to be optimistic in 2022. An easier schedule than last year, fueled somewhat by traveling far less, is one easy reason that has lined them up with plenty of projections to win 7-9 games.

An improved offense is another reason for optimism, as pieces have been added around Jared Goff and a top-notch offensive line will hopefully be healthy together all season. On the defensive side, additions there will fuel competition as Aaron Glenn’s unit looks to improve.

Detroit Lions land with easy reason for optimism

The 33rd Team has listed one reason for every NFL team to be optimistic right now.

So what’s the one reason the Lions should be optimistic?

"Detroit Lions: A Franchise Cornerstone on DefenseDespite finishing the year as one of the worst teams in the NFL, record wise, the Lions were certainly competitive and finished the season on a high note with a win over the Green Bay Packers. Heading into this season, it looks like the Lions can certainly improve on their end of the year high note, especially now that they have a potential franchise cornerstone on the defensive side of the ball: Michigan star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. The former Wolverine will be an immediate starter for the Lions and will give Detroit a presence off the edge that they haven’t had in quite some time."

It’s hard to remember times when the Lions have had someone who could be called a “franchise cornerstone” on the defensive side of the ball. Ndamukong Suh was probably the last, and he was also a No. 2 overall pick by them (2010).

They Lions are certainly hoping Hutchinson proves worthy of that “cornerstone” mantle, with his talent along with a work ethic and mentality that seems to fit exactly what head coach Dan Campbell seeks.