Some Are Calling Detroit Lions "Overhyped" Ahead Of 2023 Season

The Chicago Bears are taking a back seat to pretty much everybody in the NFC North ahead of the 2023 season. That isn't a surprise. No, the surprise comes from who many expect to be the favorite to win the division. That is the Detroit Lions. It's easy to understand why. They were one of the hottest teams in the NFL down the stretch last season, overcoming a 1-6 start to finish 9-8. Chicago got a taste of that with the 41-10 beating they took at Ford Field near the end of the year.

Quarterback Jared Goff had arguably his best season and several young pieces on defense really showed out. However, there are some that think people are jumping in on the Lions too quickly. Mike Jones of The Athletic is one of them, calling them overhyped.

"While some rival scouts believe the Lions are legit, others classify them as another overhyped team, and you can see why. It’s true that the NFC North is wide open, and that 9-8 finish does represent improvement after four straight double-digit loss seasons. However, the Lions still have more growing to do before they can truly contend. A good bit of change at the skill position groups, and in the secondary, translates into a reset in key areas. As we’ve seen with many teams, strong chemistry isn’t developed overnight. And last year’s success translates into a tougher schedule: After entering 2022 with the fifth-easiest schedule, the Lions in 2023 will play what projects to be the 13th-easiest schedule."

His reasoning is sound.

Last year the Lions had the element of surprise on their side. Teams too often didn't take them seriously because, well, they're the Lions. Now opponents are aware of their improvements. There is also the burden of expectations. It's easy to perform when nobody expects much from you. Everything changes when standards are raised.

The Detroit Lions think they're ready for a run.

It isn't hard to understand why. They were cruising down the stretch last year. GM Brad Holmes has built a young and talented roster. Head coach Dan Campbell seems to have his finger on the pulse, knowing how to motivate them properly. They've been rebuilding steadily over the past few years. It feels like this should be the time for their breakthrough. Aaron Rodgers is gone. Minnesota looks like they took a step back roster-wise. Chicago is still a year or two away before their own rebuild is complete.

Everything points to the Detroit Lions being the team to beat. The window is open. The NFC is weak. Never has there been a better chance for that team to make a serious run at the Super Bowl. This feels like 2014 for them but perhaps with an even better roster. If they blow it this season, it might be hard to regain the momentum they have before their rivals regain their footing. So yeah, overhyped or not, it's undeniable they can't hide from the spotlight anymore.