Detroit Lions Star: ‘We’re a Better Team’
In the 2023 NFL Playoffs, the Detroit Lions came close to making history but fell short. After leading the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers by 17 points in the second half, they ultimately lost the game and missed out on a Super Bowl appearance, which would have been the franchise’s first. Now, as they gear up for their playoff run, the Lions are focused on using the lessons from last year’s near-miss to finally reach the Super Bowl.
As the team prepares for their Divisional Round showdown against the Washington Commanders, standout running back Jahmyr Gibbs
shared a compelling reason why this year’s squad might be more successful than last year’s. When asked about the key differences between this season and the previous one, Gibbs confidently stated, “We’re a better team than we were last year.”
Gibbs’ claim is supported by solid statistics. While the Lions’ offense was strong last season, this year it has become the league’s most potent, averaging 6.1 more points per game than in 2023. The defense has also shown marked improvement. Last season, they ranked among the bottom 10 teams in the league for points allowed, giving up 23.2 points per game. In 2024, they have climbed to seventh place, surrendering just 20.1 points per game.
Much of the offensive improvement can be attributed to the development of key players already on the roster. Jameson Williams, in his third season, surpassed 1,000 receiving yards after two years of struggles. Gibbs has emerged as a star in his second season, and the addition of Kevin Zeitler to an already strong offensive line has paid off significantly.
Defensively, several young players have stepped up. Brian Branch earned a Pro Bowl selection in his second year, while Kerby Joseph, in his third season, led the league in interceptions and earned First-Team All-Pro honors. The acquisitions of Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis at cornerback further bolstered the Lions’ defense, even with the absence of their top defensive player.
As they head into their first playoff game of the year, Gibbs and the Lions are hopeful that these improvements will carry them further than last year’s team managed to go.
