The Detroit Lions’ New Identity: Kings of the NFC North

Kneecap biting is almost guaranteed to intrude the mind of anyone watching the Detroit Lions. But forgotten in Dan Campbell’s memorable introductory press conference in 2021 is that he always had a firm plan to rebuild the Lions, and the patience and care required to see his efforts bear fruit.

That time has arrived. On Thursday night, the Lions went into Lambeau Field and embarrassed the Packers, 34–20. The joy of Detroit fans rang throughout the stadium during the game and well beyond, as they celebrated their team taking sole possession of first place in the NFC North. After years of struggling to break through, the power in the division has, unmistakably, shifted in Detroit’s favor.

The Lions outgained the Packers 194–1 in the first quarter on Thursday, and 284–20 in the first half. The Packers were booed off the field at halftime, while Detroit went into the locker room with a 27–3 lead. The Packers tried to stage a double-digit comeback for a second consecutive week, but the Lions batted back their efforts behind a dominant run game and physical defense.

Detroit controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball from the get-go. With three of Green Bay’s starting offensive linemen injured, quarterback Jordan Love faced constant pressure from the Lions’ rotating cast of talented pass rushers. Aidan Hutchinson (1.5 sacks) and Alim McNeil (one sack, two TFLs) led the charge, as Detroit generated five total sacks and 22 total pressures. On offense, running back David Montgomery ran for three touchdowns as the Lions tallied 211 yards on the ground.

In lieu of kneecap-biters, Campbell has assembled a squad of ass-kickers.

Early picks from Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes’ first three drafts together have produced rugged impact players. This year’s rookie class includes tight end Sam LaPorta, whose 22 catches are the most ever by a rookie at the position in his first four games, and safety Brian Branch, the team’s co-leading tackler who played through an ankle injury after being carted to the locker room. Both were second-round picks. Veteran castaways like quarterback Jared Goff and receivers Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond have become integral pieces in one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses. Campbell declared he would build a roster that reflects the identity of Detroit — a city that, Campbell said, “has been down and found a way to get up” — and has seemingly delivered on that promise.

Ten years ago, the city of Detroit reached municipal bankruptcy that Fortune described as “economic rock-bottom.” But this year, the city is experiencing a tangible rebound, potentially creating a blueprint for other cities in need of economic revitalization. Meanwhile, the Lions have had to overcome the deep-rooted stigma and history of losing. They are 31 years removed from their last playoff victory, a 1991 divisional-round win over the Cowboys. They haven’t won a division crown since 1993, when they played in the NFC Central and four current NFL franchises didn’t exist. In 2008, they became the first NFL team to finish a season 0–16. They are six years removed from their last postseason appearance, the NFL’s third-longest active streak. But the Lions have now won 11 of their past 14 games dating back to last year and, since Campbell and Holmes have arrived, are no longer known for their lack of competence.

“I just keep making this point: Man, nothing is given in this league,” Campbell told reporters after Thursday night’s win. “There are no handouts. You gotta go take it. You gotta earn it. You should assume that every day is gonna come down to the wire and that every play matters. And, man, we’ve done that the last two weeks collectively as a group and as long as we continue to do that, no matter what, we’ll always have a chance to win.”

Entering 2023, Detroit enjoyed optimistic forecasts. Through four games, those predictions look good.

“Keep f---ing doing this and know who the f--- we are!” Goff roared at teammates after the game.

The Lions will not take their hot start for granted, nor will they believe they’ve already wrapped up the division crown in September. But Detroit, which has now won four straight games against the Packers for the first time in four decades, has successfully established a new identity. The post-Aaron Rodgers Packers are in the early process of discovering theirs. The Vikings are teetering. And the Bears are in disarray.

“We’re 3–1 at the quarter [mark of the season],” Campbell told his players in the locker room during an impassioned postgame speech. “Man, the sky’s the limit!”