5 Bold Predictions for Lions in 2023
With training camp on the horizon, the long wait for Detroit Lions football is nearing its end.
There's a palpable buzz surrounding the upcoming season within the fanbase. For the first time since the best of teams led by Matt Stafford, the Lions are viewed as playoff contenders.
But, just how good will this team be?
With the start of the regular season just two months away, anticipation is nearing a fever pitch. Here are five bold predictions about the fate of the 2023 Detroit Lions.
Detroit has three All-Pro honorees
General manager Brad Holmes has to feel good about the early returns on his 2021 draft class. Two players, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell, are already among the league's best at their respective positions.
I'm projecting each of them take their biggest leap forward in their third campaigns. Each will prove that the starts of their careers were no fluke and earn All-Pro honors in 2023.
Sewell will crack the first team, while St. Brown will be a second-team selection behind Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase on the first.
For all the homegrown talent, Holmes also brought in plenty from the free agent market. C.J. Gardner-Johnson tied for the league lead in interceptions last year, but joined Detroit on a short-term deal after his hopes for a long-term agreement fell through.
I see the talented veteran making the most of his prove-it contract, leading the league in interceptions and earning All-Pro honors for his performance.
Derrick Barnes starts opposite Alex Anzalone in season opener
Throughout minicamp and organized team activities, Derrick Barnes took a healthy amount of reps with Detroit's first-team defense along with Alex Anzalone.
Many expect first round pick Jack Campbell to win the job out of training camp. Yet, linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard has made it clear that nothing will be handed to the 18th overall pick.
If Campbell isn't fully adjusted to the speed of the game when the regular season rolls around, he will be forced into a backup role. With Barnes and Rodriguez in the fold, there will be healthy competition.
Barnes has yet to break out in two pro seasons, but he's comfortable in Aaron Glenn's defensive scheme. Like Rodriguez shocked many by working his way into the starting lineup last season, Barnes could be a dark horse starter in Week 1 of 2023.
Jared Goff sets career high in touchdown passes
Had the Lions not leaned on the run game so much in the red zone, Jared Goff very well could've surpassed his career-best total of 32 last year.
Though Detroit's wide receiver room lacks the ideal depth, the offense could be even more prolific through the air. The presence of Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta will give Goff two more weapons that fit his strengths as a passer.
Though Gibbs is a running back by trade, he offers plenty as a route-runner. He should thrive running intermediate and short routes, which are right in his quarterback's wheelhouse.
With the two rookies as supplementary options to the likes of St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Marvin Jones, the 28-year-old could have his best season yet.
Jerry Jacobs starts more games than Emmanuel Moseley
The Lions were clearly unsatisfied with the production in their secondary last year, overhauling the room with a series of offseason additions.
Among them were two cornerbacks, Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley, who are viewed as next year's starters. Yet, Jerry Jacobs is the best of the incumbent players and will challenge for reps early and often.
Making the roster as an undrafted free agent in 2021, the Arkansas State native has become a favorite of the staff and fans for his toughness and engaging personality.
His biggest struggle is a tendency to grab receivers too much, but this is something he can overcome with a strong offseason. He was unable to train last offseason while he rehabbed an injury.
Moseley has been rehabbing an injury of his own and missed minicamp as a result. This competition should be fun to watch, and Jacobs will be a strong threat to play many meaningful moments for Detroit's defense.
The Lions win 12 games, play in NFC Championship Game
Now for the big one.
In my initial schedule prediction upon the release, I tabbed Detroit for 11 wins. I'm going to take it a step farther at this stage of the offseason and say the team wins the division with a 12-5 record.
Dan Campbell's group is the favorite in the NFC North because of the high-powered offense it displayed last year. The defense will be much improved though, which will fuel the ensuing playoff run.
Assuming Detroit won't be the top seed, it would have to win twice to reach the NFC championship. A home game in the wild card round would come with a raucous crowd.
Should the team win in round one, a road game against a top seed would be in store. As demonstrated near the end of last season, the Lions' young core of players learned how to win big games away from their friendly confines in 2022.
Ultimately, I have Campbell and company's season coming to an end at the hands of the Eagles in the NFC title game.
Philadelphia still has too much talent on the defensive side, and Jalen Hurts is the best quarterback in the conference.
