Playoffs? How About 8 Wins First?

I realize the modern day NFL is structured in a way that a team could turn the entire thing around in just one season. Going from 3-13 to the playoffs wouldn't normally seem unprecidented. But are we getting carried away to think the Lions have done just that?

Yes.

What really has changed with the lions? They have the same running game. They have the same undefended QB. They have mostly the same receiving game. They have the same caliber of defense. And they still have no offensive line.

So what makes this year different?

They're learning to win more. They've added a few pieces that seem to have helped. They're sitting at 6 wins, twice that of last year. They just don't seem to have what it takes to beat the real teams.

The Lions aren't ready for the playoffs. Regardless of what Kitna said they should win, 10 games is out of reach. Is that a bad thing? No, not really. If they win 8 games, they'll have won almost 50% more games than they have in a single season since Matt Millen took charge of the team.

So I find myself wondering why people are so outraged. I try and tell myself its because they've had a string of 2-5 win seasons in recent years. I even think maybe we're finally just sick of them losing. But I think its more than that. I think we're use to championships in Detroit, and the Lions haven't been part of that since 1957.

So I bring myself back to the thought of an 8 win Lions team. I don't think that's so bad. Sure, its only 2-4 in the next 6 weeks, but c'mon, look at who they play, and where they play. Even Minnesota will prove to be a challenge this time around.

So enjoy the 8 win season that the Lions will most likely get you. Its not that bad. They've given you good wins this season. They've moved the ball, and, at times, they've even appeared great. Remember Denver? 8 wins this season could lead to the playoffs next season. But that's a topic for another day.

More...

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