What They're Saying: NFL World Realizes Lions Can Win Multiple Ways

Can Lions pass Philadelphia Eagles?

The Detroit Lions have established an identity built on grit and toughness. Week 10 was no different than other games this season for them, as that identity was tested early and often. 

In the end, the Lions' offense had an answer for every move the Chargers made. Thanks to an aggressive fourth-down decision, Detroit emerged victorious, and moved to 7-2.

Here's a sample of the national media reaction to Detroit's Week 10 win. 

Sports Illustrated

"First and foremost, it showed the continued resiliency that Dan Campbell’s crew has proven itself to have. After an all-systems collapse against a really good Ravens team three weeks ago, Detroit has come back with consecutive wins over AFC West foes, the first being the Josh-McDaniels-final-straw game against the Raiders, the second coming in Sunday’s shootout with the Chargers.

Second, it showed these Lions are very capable of winning different kinds of games in different kinds of ways.

More than last year, this year’s Detroit group, buoyed with bullying lines, has seemed most comfortable in street fight types of games. Against the Chiefs, Packers, Panthers and Raiders, the Lions choked the life out of the opponent at the end of the game—riding a rugged run game and a versatile, attacking defense to wins."

CBS Sports

"The Cowboys beat the Giants by 32 points and the 49ers beat the Jaguars by 31. Both San Francisco and Dallas could be more talented teams, yet Detroit is the one with the better record at 7-2 -- one game behind Philadelphia for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

The Lions put up 41 points and 533 yards in winning a shootout against the Chargers. The key part of that game was Detroit not allowing a sack and giving up just two quarterback hits against a Los Angeles pass rush that has Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. The Lions' offensive line can neutralize an Eagles defensive line that is excellent at getting to the quarterback, something the 49ers and Cowboys have struggled with this year late in games.

Detroit has a favorable schedule over the next month before closing with Minnesota twice and Dallas in its final three games. Based on the schedule set up, the Lions could actually seize home-field advantage in the NFC." 

NFL.com

"The Lions were aggressive on fourth down from the jump, converting on two attempts in the first quarter. They kept that mindset throughout the game, culminating in a final fourth-down conversion that helped put the game away. Facing fourth-and-2 from the Chargers’ 26-yard line with less than two minutes remaining. Dan Campbell could have chosen to have his team kick a field goal from that spot, a feasible distance, and bet on his defense to hold the Bolts for the final 100 seconds. Instead, he put it all on the line, trusting QB Jared Goff to convert. Goff found tight end Sam LaPorta for a six-yard gain and the first down, and the Lions subsequently ran down the clock before kicking for the win, closing it out without allowing the Chargers another possession. The Lions finished the game 4 of 5 on fourth-down attempts, an aggressive approach that paid off."

Tony Romo: Detroit Lions are a formidable team that can win the Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/mKu7hrhMas

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) November 13, 2023

USA Today

"The Lions (7-2) are off to their best start since 2014. The Lions don’t literally bite kneecaps. However, they are tough, gritty and hardnosed. They have a blue-collar mentality that they believe embodies the city of Detroit.

The franchise might finally give Motown some playoff success this season if they continue on their trajectory."

ESPN

"When both guys are rolling, who cares? David Montgomery got the start after missing the past two games (ribs), but rookie Jahmyr Gibbs continued to heat up with more experience. Gibbs scored two touchdowns, while Montgomery broke off a 75-yard touchdown in the first half. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is trying to find ways to split their workload but described it as "a good problem to have right now."

The Athletic

"They gave up 38 points and 421 yards and allowed the Chargers to convert seven of 14 third downs in this game. But as a whole this season, the Lions’ defense has been pretty solid. So I wouldn’t classify that unit as concerning. Can they be better? Absolutely. But even so, Detroit is one of the top teams in the NFC, no question. The Lions’ struggles offensively against Baltimore a couple of weeks ago were concerning. But they appear to have rebounded nicely. I’d like to see how they do against another elite team. But the rest of their schedule doesn’t feature a lot of top-flight opponents (the Bears twice, Packers, Saints, Broncos, Vikings twice and Cowboys). That Cowboys matchup should feature a lot of fireworks. And the meetings with the Vikings should prove intriguing. But I don’t see any reason why Detroit shouldn’t finish with one of the top NFC playoff seeds."