Stephen A. Smith: Lions Surprise Team to Challenge Eagles

Stephen A. Smith believes Lions can be a team that challenges Eagles.

Stephen A. Smith has been highly critical of the Detroit Lions in the past. 

The ESPN "First Take" host has finally hopped on Detroit's bandwagon. Smith named the Lions as his surprise team that will challenge the Eagles in the NFC. 

"We saw Jared Goff throw 29 touchdowns, seven interceptions, completed about 65 percent of his passes, the team believes in him. They've got an elevated level of confidence," said Smith. "This is a quarterback that quarterbacked in the Super Bowl a few years back. Their offense was top five last year."

Heading into the 2023 season, Detroit's defense is the biggest question mark that has many pundits taking a wait-and-see approach prior to declaring the Lions as the team to beat in the NFC. 

"I expect them to do similar things this year offensively. Defensively, let's see what they have with Aidan Hutchinson and those boys. Let's see what they do defensively, cause they got a lot to prove, cause they were the 28th-ranked defense last year," Smith expressed. "I get all of that. But, I'm just looking at the upside for the Detroit Lions. I like coach (Dan) Campbell. Let's see what they do."

Co-host Chris Russo surprisingly named the Packers as his surprise team, drawing comments that he was simply being a "homer." 

Russo defended his selection, and clapped back at Smith, highlighting how often the popular host has criticized Detroit. 

"He hates Goff. Now, all of a sudden he thinks Goff's Bobby Layne," Russo said. "He can't stand the Lions, (and) now he loves them."