Right after the loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered a sobering reality.
"I told those guys, this may have been our only shot,” Campbell told reporters after the game. “Do I think that? No. Do I believe that? No. However, I know how hard it is to get here. I’m well aware. And it’s gonna be twice as hard to get back to this point next year than it was this year. That’s the reality."
Campbell caveated his initial comment by saying he doesn't think that will be the Lions' only chance to reach (or win) a Super Bowl. But the truth is proverbial "championship windows" can be be fleeting, and they don't always stay open very long.
As much as it seems the Lions are built to be a sustainable contender for the foreseeable future, the famous Jerry Glanville quote about what "NFL" stands for ("Not For Long") always applies when making any assumptions.
Still, the Lions current "window" isn't closed....or is it?
Mike Greenberg says the Lions have already "missed their window" to win a championship
On his radio show this past week, with the news of contract extensions for Campbell and Brad Holmes, ESPN's Mike Greenberg said he thinks the Lions have already missed their shot to win a Super Bowl.
"I think they missed their window. I think their shot to win the championship was last year," Greenberg said..... "I think they're getting surpassed in their own division. I think Green Bay is now better than them."
Greenberg leaned toward what the Packers have done this offseason, notably adding running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney to a good young core in free agency. But to call them better the Lions is flimsy.
Greenberg did hit an undeniable note though.
"Look at all the...throughout history, look at how many teams, lose games in the playoffs, deep in the playoffs, and we think 'aw man, that was just the beginning, you know they'll be back'...how many times is that team not back?" The Lions had the 49ers 'dead to rights' in their own building in the NFC Championship Game...."
It's entirely possible last year will prove to be the Lions' best chance to win a championship as they are currently constructed. But we aren't there just yet, and if we know anything the loss to the 49ers on the doorstep of the Super Bowl will serve as great fuel for this team.