The Detroit Lions’ incredible depth is shown in one major statistic.
The NFL regular season has just one week remaining before it’s time for the playoffs. Teams have clinched their berth into the postseason and records are set to be broken, if any players are in the realm. The Detroit Lions achieved that feat in their recent contest.
This season, the Lions had some of the most momentum early in the season. They remain one of the top teams in the league with a 14-2 record through 16 games. They’ve started to deal with some crucial injuries that could impact their postseason success, though.
However, one reason the Lions have been so good is their ability to dominate teams in a variety of ways. Whether it be with their skill players, in the trenches or on the defensive side of the ball, they’ve got loads of talent in every aspect of the game.
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Four Lions players have completed what no other team has in NFL history
The Lions can beat teams in multiple ways. They can pound the rock for short games while holding big play potential with two remarkable running backs in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montogomery. Lions quarterback Jared Goff is a stable force under center, and the team can push the ball downfield with the passing attack with two elite wide receivers, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
The four aforementioned skill players also reached a mark no other NFL team has in the history of the league. The two running backs both achieved 1,000 rushing yards and the two wide receivers both surpassed 1,000 receiving yards. Again, no NFL team has had those marks on their team at one time.
LionsPR shared the milestone on social media, which proves exactly what fans have seen all season. The Lions are beating teams with a variety of players and have one of the highest-powered offenses in the league.
However, they might fall short this season for one key reason, and it’s something that is a bit out of their control at this point in time.
Why the Lions could fall short despite being a powerhouse offensively
As mentioned, the Lions have been a powerhouse on the offensive side of the ball this season. They don’t have any real holes. However, they could also fall short in the playoffs for one key reason, and that would be crucial injuries.
Not many teams have had to deal with injuries quite like Detroit has. Given they entered the season as one of the favorites to win the big game, it’s been quite unfortunate. Obviously, they’ve battled those injuries well throughout the season, which can be seen with just two losses in their 16 contests played.
Montgomery, who rushed for 1,000-plus yards, was feared to have suffered a season-ending MCL injury. After getting more opinions, there is hope he will be able to return by the divisional round of the playoffs. Still, would he be back and 100% healthy, or will his impact on the field take a hit?
Superstars shine in the playoffs. The biggest moments of the season will arrive, and the superstars will have to make plays. While the depth on the offensive side of the ball, they might not have what they need defensively. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula in Week 6. He won’t be able to make a return until the Super Bowl, though the team needs to get to that point first. Carlton Davis also took an injury hit late in the season, and will miss some postseason play.
There are more injuries. Needless to say, injuries could severely hold them back. However, the offensive prowess previously mentioned could carry them through the playoffs, like it did in their recent 40-34 win over the San Francisco 49ers.