Detroit Lions: A Lasting Legacy of Excellence Begins Today

Following a decade of incompetence and mismanagement, Martin Mayhew, Scott Linehan and Jim Schwartz inherited the worst team in league history.

However, due to effective front office management, smart coaching and a renewed commitment to excellence, the Detroit Lions have broken old habits and emerged as one of the league’s top up-and-coming teams.

Following two disappointing seasons, this Lions squad has learned how to win and gotten many proverbial monkeys off their back in the process. From the consecutive loss record to the inability to close out games, this Lions squad has found ways to quiet naysayers and turn them into believers.  

The Bandwagon has picked up numerous passengers since the season started, as the country witnessed the Lions overpower a talented Buccaneers team, blow out a disappointing Chiefs squad and put together three straight come-from-behind victories over the Vikings, Cowboys and Bears.

Each year, we witness teams that excite and ride momentum on their way to the playoffs, but then find themselves unable to sustain that success after they hit a rough spot. Such is the current case of the 2011 Detroit Lions.

With media blowing up about Jim Schwartz chasing after Jim Harbaugh following a tough loss, reports of a concussion suffered by Jahvid Best and news of a failed trade due to an unfortunate tumor prognosis, it’s been a tough week for the Lions.

The arrival of Matt Ryan and company may mark the beginning of the Lions’ toughest test yet.

The test? To prove they can bounce back from a tough loss and show that they are as good as their previous 5-0 record indicated. Any team can ride momentum, but great teams are those that that take it back after it has been taken away.  

Though they have struggled recently, the Falcons are still among the most complete and well coached teams in the league.  Detroit could not have asked for a better match-up at this time.  A win would send a message to the rest of the league that this team is for real. A win at Denver the following week would show that they can sustain wins over teams they should beat.  

After starting hot, they now find themselves at the crossroads between one-hit wonders and perennial contenders. The next two games will be an opportunity to catch yet another glimpse of the growth of this franchise.

For the first time in almost two decades, Detroit fans will see if this team has taken the next step to being mentioned among the league’s elite or just another talented group of players.

With Schwartz at the helm, these Lions have overcome and will now be put to the test once again. The Lions have an opportunity to distinguish themselves from the rest. As painful as it was, the loss to the 49ers may have been the best thing to happen to this organization since the new regime took over.

The Lions now have an opportunity to put all doubts to rest and prove they are who they already knew they were. As insignificant as it may seem to the casual fan, the games leading up to the bye could be the turning point of the season for this young franchise.

Many articles have been written illustrating how football teams resemble the city they represent.  Detroit is no different. Detroit as a town and team has a rich history that has been all but forgotten. This team, much like the city it represents has had to battle much hardship and ridicule. 

However, also much like the City it represents, it has demonstrated its resolve and unwilling desire to lie down and die. This is a rough, tough, take-it-in-the-jaw town, and so is the football team that calls Detroit home.  

With Schwartz roaming the sidelines, this team has taken on a new attitude—a winning attitude.

This team is not seeking acceptance or relevance; it is seeking excellence. Check your pity at the door and park your bandwagon down the street because this team does not need it.

Rise up Detroit. Shake off the stereotypes of the past. This team and town are primed for greatness. A lasting legacy of excellence begins today.