National media outlet names the one thing the Lions need to do the rest of the offseason
The Detroit Lions haven't won a division title since 1993. They're hoping that streak ends in 2023. Detroit is poised to make some noise this fall as the NFC North looks winnable for the Lions. The Chicago Bears aren't expected to compete for a playoff spot while the Green Bay Packers will be experiencing life […]
The Detroit Lions haven't won a division title since 1993.
They're hoping that streak ends in 2023.
Detroit is poised to make some noise this fall as the NFC North looks winnable for the Lions. The Chicago Bears aren't expected to compete for a playoff spot while the Green Bay Packers will be experiencing life without Aaron Rodgers for the first time in nearly two decades. That leaves the Minnesota Vikings as the Lions' biggest competition in the division.
The Lions are one of the "trendy" teams in the NFL this offseason. Analysts and talking heads are always trying to predict the next breakout team and Detroit has been a popular breakout pick for many of those analysts.
Detroit, however, probably needs to stay away from their own press clippings. The last thing they need is to start buying into what the media is saying about the Lions. Dan Campbell's squad plays with an edge and they need to keep that edge.
That's why NFL.com suggested this week that Detroit's biggest remaining offseason priority should be avoiding the outside noise.
From NFL.com: The bandwagon's on tilt. The hyper-frisky Lions are all the rage, compelling enough in the eyes of schedule-makers to throw punches with the Chiefs come kickoff. They could use depth along the interior defensive line, but my to-do for Detroit is neck-up based. Avoid reading your own press clippings. Ignore the praise, eschew cheerful chatter about winning a weakened North and block out last year's feel-good foray into meaningful football. Reduce your world to spartan nothingness. Zero has been accomplished. Prepare everyone inside the building for the only task with an ounce of meaning: Turning Patrick Mahomes into Raggedy Ann on national television.
Every team in the NFL seemingly plays better with a chip on their shoulder. The Lions need to keep their chip squarely in place. That's why they can't buy into the hype. Because ultimately, Detroit has to prove that the hype is legit by delivering this season.
