Want to Build a Culture? Win.

Detroit Lions fans have been sold that Dan Campbell is the right man for the job. The man who would finally change a historically losing culture. Seven games into the 2022-2023 season, doubts were at an all-time high with the Lions starting the season 1-6. The numbers did not lie. Campbell in his first 24 games with the Lions 4-19-1, with an 0-11-1 record on the road.

Nov 13, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions place kicker Michael Badgley (17) celebrates with Detroit Lions long snapper Scott Daly (47) after he makes an extra point against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Fast-forward two weeks, the Detroit Lions have won two divisional games against the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. Sunday’s win against the Chicago Bears isn’t a guarantee that Dan Campbell and company have turned it around, but it very well could be the turning point.

Head-Scratching Defense

My mind flew like a roller coaster watching this defense play. Down 14, Jared Goff and the offense drove down and brought the Lions within 7. Shortly after, Justin Fields made an awful decision and throw, and someone who I’ve personally criticized for the longest time was there to make the play that the team needed. Jeff Okudah snagged his first career Pick-Six that tied the game for Detroit, his first interception since his rookie season against Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals.

When the opposing teams are in obvious passing situations, that’s when you look for your “elite” pass rushers to bring you home and deliver the game. Aidan Hutchinson was a problem, and he did exactly that on the Chicago Bears’ final drive. Hutchinson recorded his first sack of the game (5.5 sacks on the season) at the most important time, and you couldn’t ask for anything more as a Detroit Lions fan.

Optimism and Credit are Due

First, congratulations to Dan Campbell and his coaching staff on a gutsy win. The first time the Detroit Lions have come back from down 14+ in the fourth quarter since 1993. No, the Detroit Lions aren’t out of the clear. No, Dan Campbell hasn’t proved himself to be “the guy” that can lead this team to tangible results, but at the end of the day, his team have put together a two-game stretch that has many Lions fans starting to believe again.

Credit to the team, the coaches, the players. They earned the win against Chicago, it wasn’t given to them.