Let’s offer you a recap of how one game can change both franchises’ trajectories. Remember the Commanders last season, who had just finished with a 4-13 record? Yeah, they went on to draft Jayden Daniels as their No.2 overall pick to get them out of the dungeon. And you know what? Daniels did defy expectations while taking the Commanders to their first NFC Championship game in 33 years. Well, he could probably take them further, who knows. But where do the Lions stand in all of that?

Well, Dan Campbell’s Lions have been a growing force in the last two years. From not winning the NFC North title ever in their franchise history, the OnePride Nation has brought home two in a row. And this season was even better than the last. Before 2024, the Lions had never won 15 games. But this Lions roster also broke that record. So, it looked like the Lions were finally going to lift that Vince Lombardi trophy that had eluded them since the Super Bowl era started in 1966.

However, let’s just say it didn’t turn out the way they probably would have hoped for. As Pat McAfee pointed out on his show, one major flaw that changed the whole game and also their season: “The Detroit Lions turned the ball over FIVE TIMES..” Yes, that’s right. Their signal-caller, Jared Goff, threw 3 interceptions and also lost a fumble. And to pile in more misery. Out of nowhere, Ben Johnson decided to run a trick play using Jameson Williams as QB. And we know how that turned out to be—4th interception. So, when McAfee gave Boston Conner to speak next, he said something that may not go down well in Detroit’s eyes, “I hope the Lions had fun the last two years because it’s over for them.”

With that loss, the Lions joined the 2011 Packers, who were the last team one-and-done flop team. Now, things could get much worse for the Lions in the coming days. They could probably lose both of their coordinators, OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn, in this year’s coaching cycle. But Dan Campbell, for one, isn’t afraid to face what’s ahead of them, “I would expect to lose one or both coordinators. This train rolled on. I will find the next best guys for us.” 

So, speaking about finding the next coordinators. Jared Goff is set to play a huge role in that, as per Dan Campbell.

Jared Goff is set to help Dan Campbell in keeping the Lions Super Bowl hopes alive

We all know how detrimental losing both coordinators in one window could be for the Lions. Ben Johnson’s offense has averaged more than 30 points per game, and over the last two seasons, the Lions have racked up more than 500 points. And this shows what Johnson’s departure could mean for Detroit. However, Campbell feels that their winning mindset won’t deter them even if he loses his coordinators, “We’re not going to allow that to happen. Does it hurt to lose those guys? Absolutely. They’re part of what we’ve been here….And is it a loss? Absolutely, it’d be a loss, but yet we move forward.” 

And moving forward, it seems Jared Goff will have a say in the next OC who comes in. Well, the Lions already have three candidates lined up in their backroom staff. But it depends upon Goff and Campbell if they want to go with either RB coach Scottie Montgomery, OL coach Hank Fraley, and passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand. So, with all the changes that probably happen before next season.

Are the Lions set to miss out on their Super Bowl window? Dan Campbell, for one, doesn’t believe so, “We talk about that core. That core group is still intact. And we’ve got players in every pivotal position you can ask for to have success, and those guys are made the right way. So, absolutely, our window is open.” As they say, “Sometimes bad things have to happen before good things can.” Maybe the Lions are going through that patch. And who knows, maybe a Super Bowl is around the corner for a franchise that is clearly on the rise.