The Detroit Lions have attempted to catch up to the Green Bay Packers, who have been the NFC North’s dominant team for the better part of three decades.
2024 is a different story.
The Lions are no longer the unexpected contender or even the endearing underdog. They have a lot of expectations and are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Should we fail to make it to the big game in February, it will be viewed as a letdown. Last season, they ought to have arrived.
The Packers now have ideal material for their bulletin board, and the pressure has been increased.
In 2024, Packers can take inspiration from the Lions’ fan base.
The Lions went into the season full of hope a year and a half ago. It is hype this year.
Sports Illustrated’s NFL preview features Dan Campbell’s team on the cover, and they are the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
The Lions are a topic of great writing by Connor Orr and Greg Bishop, so it makes sense why there is so much excitement. However, they have provided the Packers with all the necessary inspiration. This is a sample:
“Everything about it shouts—no, implies—that these Lions are hungry for more. Higher standards. More triumphs. More achievement. They are prepared to take over for Campbell behind the wheel and lead this team all the way to the Lions’ first Super Bowl in February, in New Orleans.”
It is an amazing piece, and once more, there is reason to believe in the Lions. For Matt LaFleur, whose team closed the gap on Detroit in the second half of the previous season, it is ideal as well. At Ford Field on Thanksgiving, LaFleur’s Packers surprised the Lions with a 29-22 victory.
Last season, the Lions were using home money. Not anymore.
Detroit, according to Sports Illustrated, is “speeding toward its first Super Bowl.” The problem is that it competes in what is possibly the most competitive football division. A revitalized Chicago Bears could unseat the Lions as the “surprise team” in 2024, and Love and the Packers have the talent to push for a championship.
In the NFC title game last January, Campbell’s Lions blew a 24-7 halftime lead and a good opportunity. The onus is now on you to move forward.
Do you recall the iconic boat picture taken by the New York Giants prior to their playoff matchup with the Packers? It took Green Bay six years to make it back to the postseason after they defeated New York.
LaFleur needs to show his guys this SI cover every day. He should get a copy of it. At Ford Field, the Lions have most likely hoisted another flag. They now have to deal with the strain of being the NFC North’s favorite club to defeat.
It works perfectly in the Packers’ favor.
