As we mentioned in the first part of our camp expectations series this morning, we've entered the dead zone for the Lions. This is a good time to sit and reflect upon everything we've learned about the Lions over the offseason. 

With that in mind, this week we'll be talking about the Lions on both sides of the fence. Today we'll go over four reasons to be optimistic about the Lions 2023 season. Then tomorrow we'll go over of the four reasons to be pessimistic. 

Let's jump right into it with a big one.

Ben Johnson

Right off the bat we have to go with what was the first big win of the offseason for the Lions. They managed to keep the guy that directed their top five offense in 2022. That was a big deal considering the Panthers were all over him to be their head coach and they were ready to strike. 

Johnson sticking around keeps a much need continuity in the Lions offensive playbook. That's good for Jared Goff and company and helps them hit the ground running at camp without having to learn a whole new playbook. 

A much improved secondary 

The Lions secondary got burnt an awful lot in 2022 and it's clear that Lions GM Brad Holmes knew that too, He went after it in free agency nearly replaced the entire unit. 

The additions of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and Brian Branch have already been felt as early as OTA's and mandatory mini camp. Just ask Jared Goff. 

Jared Goff on Lions revamped secondary:
“Yeah, it’s much stickier I feel like this year. It’s been harder for us to gain separation at this point in OTAs and I think they’ve done a hell of a job making it harder on us and growing as a unit over there.”

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) June 6, 2023

It's not all about additions though. Getting Tracy Walker back from a torn achilles and the continued rises of Kerby Joseph and Jerry Jacobs are only going to make this unit better.

A solid draft

The Lions draft haul seems to look better every day. A lot of what the team did was a shock during the draft, but now you can really see how the majority of their picks are really going to play big roles for the team in 2023. 

Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta have both already shown what they can do in Ben Johnson's offense during OTA's and both mini camps. Gibbs looks like a home run hitter already. We'll have to see him do all this when the pads are on, but so far he looks as advertised. 

Jack Campbell and Brian Branch have both showed some stuff, but we should look to see more once camp starts up and the Lions are going live on the practice field. 

The Culture is still there

This is a huge one. In year three, the culture appears to be stronger than ever. There has been some evolution to that culture though. Last year the Lions were all about grit. This year they've adopted the villain vibe. That's already being felt by the secondary who has apparently been talking quite a bit of trash out there.

The Lions are a good team and a good place to play these days. They've adopted and nurtured that and if they continue to do that, they'll only continue to have their players buy in and work to get this franchise to heights its not been to in a very long time.

Featured image by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK