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The Detroit Lions are a team that still have realistic hopes of being able to conclude the 2026 season hoisting the Lombardi trophy.
Sports Illustrated recently revealed their annual list of teams that can actually win the Super Bowl, and Detroit was included among the 14 capable squads.
As NFL writer Conor Orr explained, "The Lions have the leagues most generous schedule by some measures, which we must consider alongside this startling fact: Despite changing offensive coordinators at midseason, and heaping a ton of extra responsibility on Dan Campbells plate, the Lions still managed to finish third in passing yards and passing touchdowns, tied for fourth in points, tied for fourth in turnovers and seventh in yards per rushing attempt." Detroit's core group of players were drafted and developed over the last several years.
Head coach Dan Campbell has expertly overseen a culture change that has seen the team be in the Super Bowl conversation annually for the last several years.
Unfortunately, a disappointing 2025 season has cast a little doubt about whether the Lions' roster can finally get over the hump.
Detroit remains the only NFC team that has not ever appeared in a Super Bowl.
The former NFL tight end did not have success in his first try trying to replace former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
John Morton had his play-calling duties stripped and then was dismissed after one year back in Motown.
New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has plenty of high-end offensive weapons at his disposal, but still must navigate how to place each part in the best position to succeed.
"The Lions won nine games last season, beat the Bears twice and rolled into the bye week at 52.
New OC Drew Petzing is, I feel, a highly underrated offseason signing," Orr explained.
"After the Lions flirted with Mike McDaniel, settling on Petzing, the former Cardinals offensive coordinator, should help stabilize and make more sensible a run game and protection scheme that left some of the Lions best players hung out to dry under former coordinator John Morton.
"The loss of Terrion Arnold is undeniable, though Detroit has prided itself on the man-off-the-street mentality when it comes to the leagues No.
3 most frequent man defense.
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John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013.
Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies.
John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience.
In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network.
Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports.
In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet.
Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!.