Why Lions are a strong bet to overachieve in 2022: High-upside picks, healthy roster, Dan Campbell aggression
CBSN
The Lions haven't won a playoff game since 1991, but there may finally be reason for optimism
It's no wonder the Detroit Lions were one of the NFL's most competitive teams in 2021 after watching them on the first two episodes of the 2022 edition of HBO's "Hard Knocks." Seeing head coach Dan Campbell deliver his 'welcome to training camp' speech would make anyone ready to jump out of their seat and run through a brick wall to grab a victory. Dallas Cowboys 13-4 12-5* Green Bay Packers 12-5 13-4* Detroit Lions 11-6 3-13-1 Buffalo Bills 9-6-2 11-6* Tennessee Titans 10-7 12-5* Arizona Cardinals 10-7 11-6* Cincinnati Bengals 10-7 10-7** New England Patriots 10-7 10-7 Indianapolis Colts 10-7 9-8 Miami Dolphins 9-7-1 9-8 PPG Allowed 27.5 31st Pressure Pct 24.4% 31st Opponent Red Zone TD Pct 70% 31st Sacks 30 30th Total Yards/Game Allowed 379.8 29th Opp 3rd Down Pct 45.1% 29th Rushing Yards/Game Allowed 135.1 28th Receptions 51 2nd* Receiving Yards 560 4th Receiving Touchdowns 5 T-3rd
"Doesn't matter if you have one asscheek or three toes, I will beat your ass." That has to be one of the most non-discriminatory, motivational quotes in the history of the series.
Despite entering into a clear rebuild in 2021 after trading the franchise's all-time passing yards and passing touchdowns leader, Matthew Stafford, to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff and three draft picks (one 2021 third-round pick, one 2022 first-round pick and one 2023 first-round pick), the Lions clawed their way to the finish of all 17 games in Campbell's first season.
