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.

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.

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.

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.

Too soon? Maybe. The Detroit Lions are still hurting from getting oh-so close to making it to the Super Bowl for the first time in the history of the franchise. But, don't fret, Lions fans. Dry those tears. I'm here to tell you that the Detroit Lions could very well make it to the Super Bowl next year.

This isn't wishful thinking or false hope. There have been several developments this week that, personally, have given me a lot of hope about the future of this team. Some of that hope comes from the fact those in the inner circle of the Lions - coaches and players - know more about what's going on than we do, and those people seem to be in great spirits. They even want to stay with the team for one more go.

It's going to be difficult. The NFC North is getting stronger each year. Green Bay is going to be a major contender next season. The Vikings could be very strong, too. The Bears, well, as my dad would say, God bless them, but they have a ways to go. But, the Lions have a real chance to once again be NFC North champions, and this time, they could go all the way. Let's look into why this team could go to the Super Bowl in 2025.

Also, if you have any interest in watching the Big Game this year, this year's Big Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 11, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Super Bowl halftime performer will be Usher. You'll be able to watch the festivities on CBS, Paramount+ and NFL+. Of course, this year's game as the San Francisco 49ers up against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dang, it still burns that it's not the Lions vs. the Chiefs. Let me know what you think here.

The Detroit Lions seriously couldn't have gotten any better news this week than when Ben Johnson said he wasn't leaving Detroit. He wants to bring the Lombardi Trophy to Detroit. This is so huge for Detroit. Thank you, Ben. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

https://wrif.com/2024/01/30/ben-johnson-says-hes-staying-with-the-detroit-lions/

Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes is a major part of the team's success. He's officially been named the 2023 NFL Executive of the Year. It's a big honor, and he totally deserves it. Holmes will keep bringing the right people into the Motor City.

https://www.detroitlions.com/team/front-office-roster/brad-holmes

Hey, we can debate about Dan Campbell's fourth down calls all day and night, but the guy is a likeable dude. He's built a great chemistry with the Lions and positive aura in the franchise. That counts for a lot, and that's probably one reason why guys like Ben Johnson are turning down big gigs to stay here.

C'mon. Our roster is lit. Jared Goff is playing the best football of his career. We've got guys like Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Dream team.

The Detroit Lions are calling it "grit," but you could also call it "fight." Hey, Detroiters have the kind of toughness that one needs to come back from a setback like the 49ers game. We have the spirit, too. Let's get after it. I'm super excited.