As the 2023 NFL season kicks off, the Detroit Lions are already setting the bar high in terms of receiving records. With a talented roster and a new head coach leading the way, the Lions are expected to make some big waves in the league this year. Let's take a closer look at some of the impressive receiving records that this team has already set or is poised to break this season.
The Rise of Wide Receiver Michael Thomas
One of the biggest stories of the off-season was the acquisition of wide receiver Michael Thomas from the New Orleans Saints. Thomas is a two-time Pro Bowler and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2019. He has already made a huge impact on the Lions offense, racking up impressive stats in training camp and preseason games. With his size, speed, and hands, Thomas is poised to break some long-standing receiving records this season.
One record that Thomas is likely to break is the Lions' single-season receiving yards record. This record currently stands at 1,964 yards, set by Calvin Johnson in 2012. Thomas has already shown that he has the ability to rack up huge yardage totals, and with a full 17-game schedule this year, he has a good chance of surpassing Johnson's mark. Thomas is also a threat to break the team's single-season receptions record, which currently stands at 122, set by Herman Moore in 1995. With his precise route running and reliable hands, Thomas could easily surpass this mark as well.
The Emergence of Tight End T.J. Hockenson
Another key player in the Lions' receiving corps is third-year tight end T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson was the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and has already shown that he has the potential to be one of the league's top tight ends. In 2022, he set the Lions' single-season receptions record for a tight end, with 93 catches. This year, he is poised to break his own record and become one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history.
Hockenson is also a threat to break the team's single-season receiving yards record for a tight end, which currently stands at 1,020 yards, set by Brandon Pettigrew in 2011. With his size, speed, and athleticism, Hockenson is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He has already shown that he has the ability to make big plays down the field, and with a full season under his belt, he could easily surpass Pettigrew's mark.
The Impact of Head Coach Eric Bieniemy
Of course, the Lions' success on offense isn't just due to the talented players on the field. It's also thanks to the guidance of new head coach Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy was one of the most highly sought-after coaching candidates this past off-season, thanks to his success as an offensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs. With Bieniemy at the helm, the Lions are expected to have one of the most dynamic and high-powered offenses in the league.
Bieniemy's offensive system is known for its emphasis on the passing game, which bodes well for the Lions' receivers. He has a knack for designing plays that exploit the weaknesses of opposing defenses, and he's not afraid to take risks and go for big plays. With Bieniemy calling the shots, the Lions' receivers are sure to have plenty of opportunities to make big plays and set new records.
The Future is Bright for the Lions' Receiving Corps
Overall, the Detroit Lions' receiving corps is poised to have a historic season in 2023. With Michael Thomas and T.J. Hockenson leading the way, and Eric Bieniemy calling the shots, this team is sure to break plenty of records and make a lot of noise in the league. Whether you're a Lions fan or just a fan of great football, it's going to be an exciting season to watch.
In conclusion,
The Detroit Lions are setting the bar high in terms of receiving records this season. With the addition of Michael Thomas, the emergence of T.J. Hockenson, and the guidance of head coach Eric Bieniemy, this team is poised to break plenty of records and make a lot of noise in the league. Whether you're a Lions fan or just a fan of great football, it's going to be an exciting season to watch.
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