The Detroit Lions rose from the NFL’s basement to become a Super Bowl contender after landing Jared Goff in a blockbuster trade, but one NFL analyst warns that the team’s title window could slam shut after this year.
Goff came to the Lions facing uncertainty after some uneven seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, but solidified his place as a franchise quarterback as the team built a dangerous offense around him. But with Goff’s advancing age, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon warned that it could be now or never for the franchise.
Lions May Face End of Super Bowl Window
In an article identifying the potential Super Bowl window for all 32 NFL teams, Gagnon warned that the Lions could see their window shut if they fall flat again this season. After winning the NFC North in two consecutive seasons, the Lions stumbled down the final stretch last season and failed to make the playoffs.
“Jared Goff turns 32 this year, and the Lions have had no playoff success the last two seasons,” Gagnon wrote. “Another failure could mark the end of the run, while a successful rebound could keep the window open into Goff’s mid-30s.”
Other analysts have more faith in the Lions. ESPN’s Mike Clay believes they will jump back into contention this season as they get healthier and face a more favorable schedule.
“Defensive injuries have derailed Detroit in recent seasons, but this roster — when healthy — is terrific on both sides of the ball,” Clay wrote. “Add in one of the league’s easiest schedules, and the Lions are primed for a Super Bowl push.”
The Lions return most of their core players, having locked down several of their recent draft picks to long-term deals. The team is expected to return a strong offense, with a rushing attack led by Jahmyr Gibbs and strong receiving from Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Lions Could Add Help Behind Jared Goff
While the Lions remain confident in Goff as the leader of their offense, one NFL analyst suggested the team could add a stronger insurance policy behind him. The Lions have just veteran Teddy Bridgewater as a backup, a quarterback who they had to lure out of retirement two years ago.
ESPN’s Ben Solak suggested the Lions could swing a trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, the former first-round pick who lost his starting job.
Solak suggested that the Lions have been searching for a capable backup, and Richardson still has the potential to grow.
“Backup quarterback has been an issue for the Lions, as Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen have not been enough to stop the team from yanking Teddy Bridgewater away from high school coaching in Florida. General manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell tend to like quarterbacks with bigger bodies, so Richardson is a good fit,” Solak wrote. “Campbell is an elite motivator who might help light a new fire under Richardson, either as a backup who prepares the right way or as a spot starter in the event of a Jared Goff injury.”
Lions Face Dire Warning Over Jared Goff’s Future in Detroit