Sometimes good things come to those who wait, in the case of the undefeated Detroit Lions, they have waited 55 years to not only call themselves undefeated but also a Super Bowl contender.
Detroit is now undefeated through five weeks for the first time since 1956—the year of their last NFL title.
The (5-0) Lions would sack quarterback Jay Cutler three times and create constant havoc and disruption for the (2-3) Chicago Bears offensive line in their Week 5 24-13 victory over the defending NFC North champions on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
Many may have sensed that the Lions would be improved, but to be at 5-0 by week 6 is going way beyond expectations.
Before we anoint teams like Green Bay, New England and Pittsburgh automatic Super Bowl locks, let’s at least look at why the Lions should be considered legit.
Let’s also consider the spectacular failure of the over-hyped and under-achieving (1-4) Philadelphia Eagles and the NBA’s Miami Heat as cautionary tales for what happens when the media appoints an early title favorite.
The Lion’s possess a legit franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford—who is finally healthy—and living up to his potential under center.
If the Lions are going to beat the likes of NFC heavyweights Green Bay, Dallas and San Francisco, Stafford needs to stay upright as he is the key.
Stafford would go 19-of-26 for 219 yards and throw two touchdowns—highlighted by an 88-yard pass to All-Pro wideout Calvin Johnson
In terms of offense the Lions are stacked and look really balanced in both the running game with dual-threat running back Jahvid Best and at wide receiver as they are led by Johnson, Nate Burleson and rookie Titus Young.
Enough things cannot be said about the man known as “Megatron” other than the fact that he is the most dominant and —practically unstoppable—wideout in the NFL. Period.
With due respect to Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald, but Johnson is the complete package at wideout as he has the height of most tight ends at 6’5 and runs a 4.50
In the case of opposing defensive backs, it’s not even fair to have to line up across from him.
Detroit assembled a truly explosive offense, but it is their defense that has been a big reason why they can reach their first-ever Super Bowl.
With the likes of Kyle Vanden Bosch, Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, Cliff Avril and Corey Williams, the Lions may be able to lay claim to the best defensive line in the NFL.
After tonight’s three-sack performance against the Bears, the Lions may also be the only team that can be considered a real threat to Aaron Rodgers and the defending Super Bowl champion Packers.
The Packers may boast an equally explosive offense, but with their issues on the offensive line with injuries to left tackle Chad Clifton and right tackle Bryan Bulaga, the Lions may be the team that the Packers fear the most and do not want to face.
Detroit has all of the parts to be considered a real contender in a explosive and well-balanced offense that features Stafford, Best and Johnson and a dominating pash rush led by Suh and Vanden Bosch
If Monday game did not put the rest of the NFL on notice, it sure did get the attention of the champions in Green Bay.
Follow me on Twitter, @RobertCobb_NFL
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