Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions are in the first season of their rebuild and it may not be a banner year for wins. However, there is still reason to be excited.
For the fan base of the Detroit Lions losing isn’t anything new. It is the standard that this franchise has set before itself. For over 60 years this team has found a way to lose in every conceivable way possible.
As a matter of fact, the Lions have been the most innovative team in the NFL when it comes to finding ways to lose. Like winning the coin toss and deferring in overtime or not guarding the endzone against a Hail Mary on the last play of the game.
If you poll every Lions fan they will all have some way this team lost that has scarred them for life. If they don’t then they’re not a true Honolulu Blue and Silver fan. Because all of us that persevere to follow this franchise through thick and thin have been wounded deeply by their ineptness.
Think about the occasions the Lions have built a big lead only to see their opponent rallying back late. As we sit in our chairs trying to convince ourselves that there isn’t enough time left to lose the game yet the pit of our stomach continues to sink as the offense suddenly can’t move the ball and the defense can’t get a stop.
Then in mind-boggling manner, the Lions lose again. No victory celebration, only the anguish of wondering why the football gods hate Detroit so much!
Plain and simple; losing sucks! Lions fans have had more than their fair share of losing, but if we’re being honest, this isn’t about a curse or anything like that. It’s about a franchise that was poorly run for decades. Both in the front office and on the field.
However, if we look at this current Lions team objectively, there are many reasons to believe they might finally be on the right path. Despite the fact we should expect growing pains this upcoming season, there may also be some excitement for the Motor City faithful too.