The Lions 38-10 win over San Diego on Sunday was one of this franchises biggest in a very long time. The reason I say this is that this team needs to totally destroy the "same ol' Lions," image. To a degree, they have already done that, but, if in this big game with the play-offs on the line they would have laid an egg, you and I both know the critics would have been out in force, and the "same ol' Lions" label would have been attached.
By winning the way they did, the Lions seized a moment and buried the Chargers. One of the hottest teams in the league came in, and left as cold as a freezer. The Lions delivered at a big moment. They earned their ticket to the play-offs, and in my judgement, laid to rest the idea that this franchise has some kind of ingrained failure gene. No more.
They've done it with talent first. If you didn't understand just how good Mathew Stafford is, then that game against San Diego should have sold you completely. The guy is special. His first half in that game was a clinic. For him not to be in the Pro Bowl is a joke. The voting for that stuff has proven itself out of touch for a lot of years, but this year it's even more insane.
Cliff Avril is another one. He should be in the Pro Bowl but won't be, but, he's a huge talent that has helped this team win. Calvin Johnson is simply the best at his position in the world. While that talent stands above the rest, all across this roster the talent is better. Better talent makes better teams. That's where the Lions fit.
I think you have to give Martin Mayhew and Tom Lewand credit for that talent upgrade. They have worked the waiver wires and talent pipeline as well as any. They have done their homework and due diligence in the draft and free agency and added quality.
Finally, Iets give Head Coach Jim Schwartz, and his staff a little credit. Schwartz deserves high marks becasue he hired the staff. He has been involved in the player selection too. So he is clearly at the head of the class in this turn around. I want to mention his staff again. All those assistants, and especially Gunther Cunningham as defensive co-ordinator and Scott Lienhan as offensive co-ordinator have been outstanding. I know they have been open to critics this season, but when you look at the body of work over the whole season, these guys have done a great job.
What happens from now on is gravy. Look, I said at the beginning of the year that I wanted to be playing meaningful games in December. Clearly that has happened. Now, I'm just as greedy as the next guy, and now, I want a little more.
What's vital is that this team plays well for 60 minutes. For the first time all year, we saw the Lions play a full 60 minute game against the Chargers, and the result was spectacular. I have said all along, the most imprtant part of the NFL season is the final weeks. You must be playing your best football at the end of the season. Because, if you are, you have a great chance in the most important part of the season, the play-offs. Right now, based on last weeks San Diego game, the Lions are playing their best football. The focus must be to improve on that, and go anywhere to play a tournament game and be confident you can win. This team has that kind of attitude I believe.
So all this talk of who would be their best first round opponent doesn't compute for me. Somewhere in the play-offs you are going to have to win a very tough game. You are going to have to beat a very, very, good team. I guess I am of the belief that I don't care when that day comes. Let's tee it up and play it. I like the Lions well enough that I'll take my chances with any of the other guys. I'll bet the other guys aren't that anxious about playing the Lions. I don't really care about that either.
Hey, the Lions are play-off bound! It's been a very long time since we've said that, I don't care who we play or where we play 'em, I am going to enjoy every minute of the ride!
