It's that time of year again, football season is upon us and fans across the country are eagerly anticipating the start of a new season. The Detroit Lions are coming off a disappointing season in 2022, finishing with a record of 6-11. However, with a new coaching staff and some key additions to the roster, the Lions are looking to turn things around and make a playoff push in 2023.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Detroit Lions and make some predictions for the upcoming season. We'll examine the team's strengths and weaknesses, key players to watch, and make our predictions for the team's final record and playoff chances.
The Lions Offense
One of the main reasons for the Lions' struggles in 2022 was their lack of consistency on offense. Quarterback Jared Goff struggled in his first season with the team, and the offensive line was plagued by injuries throughout the year. However, there is reason for optimism heading into 2023.
The team added some key pieces to their offensive line in the offseason, including veteran guard Trai Turner and rookie tackle Liam Eichenberg. The Lions also have a talented group of skill players, including wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tyrell Williams, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Jared Goff's Improvement
The success of the Lions' offense will ultimately come down to the play of quarterback Jared Goff. Goff struggled in his first season with the team, throwing for just 3,822 yards and 20 touchdowns. However, he will have a better supporting cast around him in 2023 and should be able to improve on those numbers.
Goff will also benefit from working with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who was hired in the offseason to replace Anthony Lynn. Moore is known for his innovative offensive schemes and should be able to get the most out of Goff and the Lions' offense.
The Lions Defense
The Lions' defense was one of the worst in the NFL in 2022, allowing an average of 29.3 points per game. However, the team made some significant changes in the offseason and should be much improved in 2023.
The Lions signed veteran linebacker K.J. Wright and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins in free agency, and also added several key players in the draft, including defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux and cornerback Ahmad Gardner.
The Impact of Kayvon Thibodeaux
Kayvon Thibodeaux was widely regarded as the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft and the Lions were fortunate to land him with the second overall pick. Thibodeaux is an elite pass rusher who should make an immediate impact on the Lions' defense.
Thibodeaux will join a defensive line that already includes Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara, giving the Lions one of the best pass-rushing units in the league. This should help improve the team's overall defense and make them much more competitive in 2023.
Predictions for the 2023 Season
So, what can we expect from the Detroit Lions in 2023? While there is reason for optimism, it's still hard to see them making a deep playoff run. However, we do think that they will be much improved from last season and should finish with a record of 9-8.
The Lions will likely be in the hunt for a playoff spot until the final weeks of the season, but we ultimately think they will fall just short. However, if Jared Goff can take a step forward and the defense can continue to improve, the Lions could be a team to watch in 2024 and beyond.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions are a team in transition, but there is reason for optimism heading into the 2023 season. With a new coaching staff and some key additions to the roster, the Lions should be much improved from last season. While we don't expect them to make a deep playoff run, we do think they will be much more competitive and finish with a record of 9-8.
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