Detroit Lions' 2023 Season Awards

Superlatives from the Lions' historic 2023 season.

The Detroit Lions had a historic 2023 season. 

Though it ultimately ended with a disappointing loss in the NFC Championship Game, the campaign will ultimately be remembered in a positive light for the team clinching its first division title since 1993 and notching consecutive playoff wins for the first time since 1957. 

Before turning the page to 2024, it's time to revisit the season and award superlatives for the Lions based on the past season. 

Offensive Player of the Year: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR

The Lions have something special in St. Brown, as he continues to improve. After surpassing 1,000 yards in his second season, he set the bar even higher in 2023 with 1,515 receiving yards. 

Just three seasons into his career, St. Brown has firmly established himself amongst the NFL's best receivers. He has demonstrated prowess when it comes to moving the chains. St. Brown hauled in 141 passes, including the postseason, with 93 going for first downs. 

His relentless work ethic has powered him from a fourth-round pick to a first-team All-Pro selection. As a result, the sky is the limit for the young wide receiver. 

Detroit's offense was potent, much as it was last season. As a result, singling out one player was a difficult task. Consideration was also given to Detroit's standout offensive line, headlined by first-team All-Pro selection Penei Sewell at right tackle.

Jared Goff did a masterful job piloting the offense with numerous weapons, but St. Brown's status as an All-Pro and his ability to make plays at all levels of the route tree made him the most impactful of the group. 

Finalists: QB Jared Goff, TE Sam LaPorta

Defensive Player of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE 

Hutchinson didn't post the gaudy numbers that other elite EDGE rushers posted around the league, but he still had a massive impact. He led the league with 121 pressures, including the playoffs. 

He went through a midseason lull, notching just two sacks from Weeks 6 to 16. However, he posted back-to-back multi-sack games to finish the regular season with 11.5. 

In the playoffs, he had sacks in each of the Lions' two wins. He demonstrated increased ability to put pressure on the passer, and his spin move proved to be lethal. 

Now, the Lions will be tasked with finding or developing a rusher opposite him that will divert some of the attention he received from opponents. 

Elsewhere, defensive tackle Alim McNeill was on his way to a Pro Bowl season before suffering a knee injury against New Orleans in Week 13. Meanwhile, linebacker Alex Anzalone surpassed 100 tackles for the second consecutive season. 

Finalists: DT Alim McNeill, LB Alex Anzalone

Dan Campbell Tells Players Team Is Going to Super Bowl in 2024

Rookie of the Year: Sam LaPorta, TE

Detroit's rookie class was loaded with talent, as Brad Holmes nailed each of his first four draft picks. All four players wound up being significant parts of the starting lineup. 

With the offense's success, LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs were favorites for this superlative. However, the edge goes to LaPorta for his ability to be Goff's security blanket at key moments. 

His rookie season was a historic one, as he broke the record for most receptions by a rookie tight end. The Iowa product also notched 10 touchdowns, which placed him second amongst rookie tight ends ever.

Gibbs surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards and also had 10 touchdowns. Brian Branch owned the nickel cornerback role and had several key moments, including a game-changing pick-six against the Chiefs in Week 1. 

Jack Campbell struggled early, but finished the season strong after working his way into the starting lineup. 

Finalists: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, S Brian Branch

Most Improved Player: Ifeatu Melifonwu, S

A big part of the Lions' success was the growth of their role players. At the end of the season, though, no player's growth was more apparent than Melifonwu's. 

Injuries had derailed the start of Melifonwu's career, as he spent a plethora of time on the sidelines. However, he worked his way into the starting lineup, beginning with the team's Week 14 loss to Chicago. 

After a quiet debut in the starting lineup, he announced his presence with authority against the Broncos. He recorded a strip-sack early in the game, which began his upward trajectory. 

Over the final four regular season games, he recorded three sacks, a forced fumble and two interceptions. Melifonwu demonstrated a knack for the Lions' safety blitz concepts, while also being a key piece of the coverage unit. 

Derrick Barnes was another breakout player, as he earned a spot in the starting lineup after a strong offseason. On the offensive side, Josh Reynolds was a key part of the receiving corps.

Finalists: LB Derrick Barnes, WR Josh Reynolds

Assistant Coach of the Year: Ben Johnson, Offensive coordinator

The Lions' offense was humming under the direction of Johnson. Once again, the coordinator proved to be among the most creative minds in the league. 

Detroit ranked fourth in passing yards and fifth in rushing yards in 2023. The unit seemed dominant at points, but also was notorious for dealing with lulls in the third quarter. 

That area will be one that is likely emphasized going forward, as Johnson has committed to returning after being a popular commodity on the head coaching market. 

Elsewhere, first-year running backs coach Scottie Montgomery oversaw a unit that nearly had two 1,000-yard rushers. On defense, Kelvin Sheppard is viewed as a riser, and saw increased duties working with pass-rushers, in addition to his linebackers. 

Finalists: Running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard

Moment of the Year: Lions defeat Rams for first playoff win since 1991 season

The Lions had their fair share of big moments in 2023, but none was bigger than their first win in the playoffs in 32 years. 

The storylines surrounding the game were plentiful, namely the return of former franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford. It was a physical battle between the two teams, with both quarterbacks -- Stafford and Goff -- facing their former teams. 

In the end, the Lions secured a one-point win, 24-23. After a hot start for the offense, the unit cooled down. Defensively, Detroit held the Rams to field goals on all three of their red-zone trips. 

Getting the ball back with 4:00 to go, the Lions were able to bleed the clock with key first downs, and secured their first playoff win since Jan. 5, 1992. 

Finalists: Derrick Barnes' interception to defeat Tampa Bay, Melifonwu interception to defeat Minnesota and clinch NFC North