NFL Detroit Lions

A New Era Has Arrived for the Detroit Lions

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By @seankjensen

Ways to Tell a New Era Has Begun for the Lions

Matthew Stafford
Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

In the 21st century, the Detroit Lions have had one (yes, ONE) winning season.

And while they tumbled back toward the NFL’s basement after that 10-6 record in 2011, it’s easy to forget that the Lions actually led the NFC North last year with a 6-3 record. The Lions wilted, of course, losing six of the final seven and costing Jim Schwartz his job.

But 2014 – with the 6-2 Lions atop the NFC North – will be different.

Let us count the ways:

5. Matthew Stafford is Playing Smart

Matthew Stafford Cover
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

5. Matthew Stafford is Playing Smart

Matthew Stafford Cover
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions are 6-2 largely without the team’s best player, receiver Calvin Johnson, who has been sidelined or slowed with an ankle injury. The Lions depended too heavily on Johnson to carry them in seasons past, but QB Matthew Stafford has had to adjust without his safety blanket on the field. Without him on the field, Stafford has had to be smarter and more selective, which has resulted in fewer picks. That’s a good thing, over the long haul.

4. No More Second-Rate Secondary

Glover Quin
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

4. No More Second-Rate Secondary

Glover Quin
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

All those high picks invested on defense have finally paid dividends! The Lions boast one the NFL’s top defenses, and they appear to finally have rid themselves of an obvious Achilles heel: a second-rate secondary. With a well-rounded defense, the offense doesn't have to feel like it must win shootouts. With Johnson and RB Reggie Bush both limited so far season, the Lions offense is ranked just 20th. Getting those stars back will surely help.

3. The Impeccable Timing of Golden Tate

Golden Tate
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Impeccable Timing of Golden Tate

Golden Tate
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

While the offense hasn't been clicking on all cylinders, the Lions have learned this: Golden Tate has exceeded expectations. The Lions signed him as an ideal complement to Johnson, but Tate – who was key in helping the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl – has proven to be a tough playmaker with impeccable timing. Even with defenses keying on him, Tate has produced late-game heroics, most notably the 73-yard TD against the New Orleans Saints.

2. A Brand New Attitude

Jim Caldwell
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

2. A Brand New Attitude

Jim Caldwell
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes the Lions prove they know how to start. But finishing? That’s been a longtime issue. Losing six of seven last year wasn’t a fluke; in 2012, the Lions lost their final eight games. We've seen recently that the key in the NFL is to get hot late (think Baltimore Ravens). There have been some concerns early on, but the Lions are showing more fortitude and discipline under new head coach Jim Caldwell, traits too often lacking from this team.

1. Resilience Throughout the Year

Calvin Johnson
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

1. Resilience Throughout the Year

Calvin Johnson
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The schedule has been kind to the Lions so far, with only one win against a team above .500 (Green Bay Packers). But the Lions' character will be defined over the next three games: home against the Miami Dolphins (5-3), then at the Arizona Cardinals (7-1) and New England Patriots (7-2). Then, they’ll finish the season on the road in Chicago and Green Bay. If they make the playoffs, they’ll have earned it – and a new era will commence in Detroit.

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