The Death of “S.O.L.”
The Detroit Lions had an exceptional season that put the whole football world on notice. Advancing all the way to the NFC championship game for only the 2nd time in franchise history. The new Lions are legitimate contenders in the National Football League. Something that is far more important than that, is the death of “S.O.L.”. S.O.L. or the “same old Lions” had been a phrase that was stuck to this organization for decades. While some may think it’s just a phrase, it was far more than that. “S.O.L.” was the culture, as pathetic as that may sound. Many coaches have tried to peel S.O.L. off their backs with no luck.
From Marty Mornhinweg and Steve Mariucci to Rod Marinelli and Jim Schwartz. Even counting Jim Caldwell and Matt Patricia, all failed at doing anything meaningful enough to begin to shed the curse that was the same old Lions. Now, after 2 consecutive winning seasons and several meaningful playoff games. Lions Coach Dan Campbell has finally done it. Campbell has revolutionized this franchise with the help of Brad Holmes and their assistant coaches and coordinators.
The Death of S.O.L
What Detroit fans experienced in 2023, was the death of S.O.L. The Same old Lions phrase was finally put to rest. Hardcore haters will argue and say that the loss in the NFC championship game was “S.O.L.” but they could not be more wrong. The Lions of old not only wouldn’t have made it to championship weekend, they also would have gotten steamrolled. While the game was certainly a bad loss, it was not because the team reverted to its old habits like before.
Dan Campbell and his players have shown that this game was a fluke. The new normal for the Detroit Lions is to play a tough, gritty, downhill offense, highlighted with great, timely catches from their receiving core. This team is built in the trenches and that’s where they win their games. The offensive and defensive lines can be relied upon day in and day out. Certainly, the defensive line could get more pressure on the Quarterback though. It’s very likely the Lions will pursue another pass rusher either through Free Agency or the draft this offseason.
Lions Are a Top NFL Team Again
With that being said, the Detroit Lions were the second ranked rush defense all season long. Allowing under 80 rushing yards per game counting the regular season and playoffs. This front and Linebacker group was elite at stopping the run. Looking at the offense, this unit was prolific all year. The offensive line was ranked in the top 5 from start to finish and it showed in their results. Finishing top 5 in the league in rushing yards with 2311. They also allowed Jared Goff to finish in the top 4 in passing with 4606 yards through the air during the season.
Tough in The Trenches
The main point to all of this is that this team is dynamic on both defensive and offensive lines. This will only improve heading into next year with a signing or draft pick to apply more pressure on opposing Quarterbacks. If you needed more evidence as to why S.O.L has really been defeated for good, look no further than Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. The Lions offensive and defensive coordinators were both coveted by other teams to fill their head coaching vacancies.
Both Glenn and Johnson turned down the offers to come back to Detroit and build upon their success this season. Both returned to bring this city a Super Bowl. Glenn and Johnson will likely be financially rewarded for sticking with the team, but it is a huge deal to turn down a head coaching offer in the NFL. There are only 32 positions, and they don’t just hire anyone.
Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn both have belief in this team and how far it can go. I myself believe this team will make the Super Bowl next season. I’m ecstatic to say that S.O.L. has finally been killed off and the city of Detroit can now focus on cheering for a legitimate contender in the National Football League.