we can run the ball consistently and pick up most short yardage - even at the goal line
our WRs have skill AND are schemed to get decent separation
our Oline can finally provide a sustained pocket allowing Goff to scan the field
late round draft picks are contributing and even excelling in several cases
next man up is usually not disastrous
buy in from the players toward the organization seems to be at an all time high
assets (Stafford and Hock) without long term team value are traded away for beans rather than resigned and overpaid
our GM is the fleecer and not the fleecee during the draft
great camaraderie between players from offense and defense
10). We legitimately believe we can compete with anyone
penalties are way down. We are not beating ourselves usually
12). We are starting to win the TO battle more often than not
It just feels completely different this time. We hit rock bottom and now seem to be on a steady ascent. We still need talent but if we can add 4 - 5 studs during the off season and fortify our depth 2023 could be special. Not giving up on this year yet though.
Offensive line spotlight:Penei Sewell continued his rock-solid play against one of the most talented edge rushers in the league in Josh Allen. He didn’t allow a single pressure on 43 pass-blocking snaps in the game. Surprisingly, it was the first outing all season that Sewell didn’t allow a pressure, but he’s had seven games during which he’s allowed only one.
Wait until they have to pay Hock big money. That will tell you a lot about Minny’s GM. Will he drop his mistakes or double down? Hock is an OK TE, but he’s not much of a consistent game changer. Game changers should get paid. Maybe Hock turns it around, who knows? Certainly as a Lions fan I have a rooting interest against the player, but not against the person.
It’s the culture. I know you still need skilled players and all, but man I can’t remember the last time the post game locker room looked like it does now. Granted back in the 80’s/90’s we didn’t have all the youtube video access, but all the players actually look like they enjoy being here and love the coaches. Now add the DC mentality he has brought in and the players are adopting that attitude, both offense and defense. This all contributes to your #1,5,6,9,10 directly.
It’s how they build the buy-in. EVERY man out here is important and part of the mission. Backups be ready, cuz we can’t win without “next man up!”
Even in practice, they need each other to build intensity in each other and get good looks. Imagine if the scout team was just a bunch of slugs…
That early play where Goff tried a quick swing out to Swift and Allen batted it down. Sewell failed to execute a cut block allowing Allen to shoot into the backfield and make that play. Still, I agree that Sewell was awesome yesterday and Allen barely made an impact after that.
How cool is it to be sincere when saying that about a 5-7 team the second week of December?
It’s kind of freaking me out.
The words are there, but, have we truly realized that we can compete with any team in the league and feel like we have a chance to win, at home or on the road?
I’m afraid the end of the world is at hand.
