The Detroit Lions started off the 2023 NFL season with a bang. Shocking much of the NFL world by defeating the defending Super Bowl Champion in the Kansas City Chiefs. Detroit won a hard-fought contest against the Patrick Mahomes led squad 21-20. While there are some who will rush to the defense of the Chiefs and say that “they were without their 2 best players”. Since Superstar Tight End and Defensive Tackle Chris Jones did not play in the game. This is purely nonsense as the NFL is a league where any given week players are hurt. The interesting thing is the Chiefs were still favored to win the game even with 2 of their 3 superstars listed out for the game. Considering those 2 things this was every bit a big time win as advertised. The Lions shutdown the Chiefs in the second half completely.
Coming off this huge win for the Detroit Lions however early it may be, fans are high on the team. Some fans are saying Super Bowl and others are saying playoffs. One thing can be said for certain; this team has made huge improvements to the defense, and it showed in game 1. The team has a long way to go, but the NFL is won in the trenches. The Lions have one of the best offensive and defensive lines in the league. This means they have chance to go far.
How good will the Lions be?
It may come as a shock to many longtime Detroit fans, hearing that their Lions are expected to do great things this season. I expect the team to win 11-12 games and host a home playoff game. If the team is to go far, they will need excellent performances from several key players throughout the whole season. Below you will find the players who will play the most important role in the Lions success this year.
Aidan Hutchinson
Coming off a great rookie season where he tallied up 9.5 sacks and over 50 tackles. Aidan Hutchinson is a major part of the Lions defensive pass rush. He showed in game 1 of the 2023 season that he is a 1 man wrecking ball and a pivotal piece on this team. If Hutchinson can get around 15 sacks this season and continue tearing apart offensive lines he will be a major reason for the team’s success.
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 7: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs drops back to pass as Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions chases during the first quarter of an NFL football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 7, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
CJ Gardner-Johnson
CJ Gardner-Johnson is perhaps the most important player on this team. While Aidan Hutchinson is a dominant force and a key piece, Gardner-Johnson is the vocal leader of the defense which was abundantly clear even in their first game. He also brings valuable playoff experience coming off his own super bowl appearance just last year. CJ will be an instrumental piece on this team, and will be the vocal leader that this gritty team has missed for years.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 07: Isiah Pacheco #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by C.J. Gardner-Johnson #2 of the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 07, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Jahmyr GIbbs
Even though Jahmyr Gibbs only had 7 carries for just over 40 yards in game 1. Gibbs showed Lions fans something the fanbase has been missing for over 25 years. Gibbs has dynamic running ability and superstar potential. Something the Detroit Lions have been without for too long from the Running Back position. If the team can have a superstar back, a competent Quarterback and a rock-solid defense, this team is poised for great things this year.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 7: Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions runs with the football during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 7, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
