6 Bold Predictions For The Detroit Lions In 2023

The Detroit Lions narrowly missed out on a playoff spot in 2022, but if a few of these bold predictions come to fruition, the franchise will cruise to a division title this coming season.

The Lions boasted a juggernaut of an offense last season as veteran signal-caller Jared Goff revived his career and elevated the play of the entire unit. Behind the former No. 1 overall pick, Detroit ranked toward the top of the league in passing yards and yards per attempt.

Goff deserves his flowers, but offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the straw that stirs the drink in Motor City. The 37-year-old seized play-calling duties in his first season in the position. Rather than asking his quarterback to carry the group, Johnson preached physicality in the trenches.

The team’s offensive line took that message to heart by serving as one of the most fearsome units in the NFL. Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow are top-tier players at their positions, while Taylor Decker is consistently underrated on the blindside. All in all, Goff was only sacked 24 times — second-best in the entire league.

Where the Lions can stand to improve the most is on the other side of the ball. As special as the offense was in Detroit, the defense was equally abysmal. The secondary allowed the third-most passing yards in 2022 while ranking middle of the pack in sacks.

6 Bold Predictions For The Detroit Lions In 2023

The good news? General manager Brad Holmes made a concerted effort to reinforce the defense this offseason, both in the NFL Draft and free agency. Are these fresh faces enough to push Detroit over the hump and back into the postseason? These six bold predictions will address this question…