3 Reasons to Buy Into Lions Hype

Examining why the Lions will meet high expectations in 2023.

The 2023 season is one of the most highly anticipated campaigns in Detroit Lions history. 

General manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have engineered a rebuild that appears to be working wonders. As they enter their third season, the Lions are viewed as favorites in the NFC North. 

Fan interest is at an all-time high, as the team's entirety of training camp tickets sold out mere hours after becoming available.

There will be a level of measured optimism given the team's history of failing to meet expectations and make postseason runs. However, there are pieces in place for the 2023 season to be a special one for the organization. 

Here are three reasons to buy into the Lions' hype as training camp draws near:

The approach is working

Since taking over, Holmes and Campbell have stayed true to their ideals in building the Lions back up. The organization has managed their contracts efficiently.

The general manager has dealt almost exclusively one-year contracts to free agents, allowing players to come and prove their skills without committing long-term. 

This season, they've reaped the benefits of that by extending players who impressed on one-year deals. Through it all, the Lions have monitored their spending and avoided shelling out massive contracts. 

The patience has created a team full of players who fit the organization's culture. 

Early in his tenure, Campbell's ability to motivate and inspire was offset by his struggles in managing close games. However, he appeared to flip the switch late last season with four one-score wins over the final 10 games. 

Last year, the Lions nearly reached the playoffs despite a 1-6 start thanks to adjustments from the coaching staff. If Campbell can start the team faster, he will have the team playing in the postseason.

Ben Johnson returns

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was courted by organizations with head coach vacancies early in the offseason. 

However, he elected to return to Motown after interviewing for positions in Houston and Indianapolis. His creativity was on display last year, so it should come as no surprise that the Lions are believed to be one of the best and most exciting offenses in 2023.

In particular, quarterback Jared Goff enjoyed a renaissance. The passer demonstrated a calm confidence within the system and enjoyed an exceptional stretch over the final 10 games. 

Detroit was one of the best scoring offenses a year ago. There's new talent to work with, and the return of Jameson Williams in Week 7 should bring about a new dynamic that fans didn't see last year.

As good as they were last season, Johnson's offense could take another step forward in 2023. 

New defensive swagger

The defense has been a crutch for the Lions over the last two seasons, ranking among the league's worst in both campaigns.

With the offseason moves of Holmes, there's belief that the product will be much better in 2023. 

In C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Cam Sutton, the Lions added two veterans who will start and make the team much better against the pass right away. 

A new swagger permeated throughout the team's practice field during minicamp and OTAs. Gardner-Johnson, among others, led the way with confident banter. 

Detroit's defense is much improved in terms of proven talent, but there are also exciting homegrown pieces like Alim McNeill and Aidan Hutchinson that are set to breakout in 2023. 

As a result, they have an opportunity to create a new narrative of success after struggling in Aaron Glenn's first two years as coordinator.