The Detroit Lions have been eradicated from the playoffs for the primary time in three years. That final time was 2022, when simply earlier than the Lions have been scheduled to play the Inexperienced Bay Packers for a possible win-and-you’re-in state of affairs, the Seattle Seahawks eradicated Detroit with an time beyond regulation win.
The Lions didn’t appear to care a lot that Sunday night. They went on to beat the Packers in a spirited Sunday night time matchup, kicking Inexperienced Bay out of the playoffs and ending their 2022 season on a excessive notice. The Lions parlayed that win—a part of their 8-2 end to the season—into back-to-back division titles over the following two years.
The state of affairs is way completely different this 12 months. Whereas it might definitely be good to complete on a excessive notice, there isn’t a salvaging the narrative for the 2025 season. Beat the Chicago Bears or not, there gained’t be excessive vibes going into the offseason after Detroit got here up severely in need of expectations. And the Lions don’t even have the satisfaction of having the ability to knock the Bears out of the playoffs, both. If issues go a sure method in Week 17, Detroit might spoil the Bears’ probabilities at a division title, however handing it to the Packers doesn’t actually really feel good, both.
Nonetheless, it is a Dan Campbell-led crew. And the tradition inside Detroit beneath him has been to provide their all and compete regardless of the stakes. That features observe, walkthroughs, and, sure, “meaningless” video games on the finish of the season. To change methods now, on the first signal of great decline, might ship the incorrect message to the gamers.
And Campbell didn’t appear very receptive to the concept of dogging it in Week 18 when requested after Thursday’s loss.
“We’ve bought one recreation to go. I anticipate all people to be able to go once we get again in in a few days, be locked in, and be prepared once we get on the aircraft to go to Chicago,” Campbell stated.
So at the moment’s Query of the Day is:
How ought to the Lions deal with Week 18?
My reply: I think most individuals will hope the Lions relaxation starters for a few causes. First, they understandably don’t wish to danger any gamers struggling an damage that might impression the 2026 season. This 12 months is misplaced, so why danger something that might jeopardize subsequent 12 months?
Moreover, followers are eyeing that fourth-place schedule and a greater draft choose, and need the Lions to lose. I’ll by no means query anybody’s fandom for pondering this manner. It’s truly a really sensible and logical perspective, however solely from the fan perspective.
For gamers, coaches, and administration, every recreation is a chance to spice up your resumé, compete within the recreation you’ve devoted your life to, and present just a little little bit of satisfaction. A participant who half-asses a recreation dangers placing out low-effort tape for future employers to see. And for those who keep in mind, in 2021, Campbell used that “meaningless” season to seek out out which gamers would battle by way of adversity, and who would stop. That technique led the Lions to having the quantity of expertise they presently have. It wouldn’t be sensible to stray from that.
Nevertheless, there have been gamers who’ve proven that grit, proven that want to play by way of video games with accidents, and it might be time to provide these gamers some much-earned relaxation.
Clearly, these items should be mentioned with the gamers themselves. On one hand, the medical employees has the accountability to guard the gamers from themselves. However, for those who drive a participant who’s adamant about taking part in to sit down on this ultimate recreation, you danger alienating that participant out of your franchise. We’ve already seen that this week with Raiders star edge defender Maxx Crosby.
So the Lions ought to strategy every participant who has been battling damage, have an open, sincere dialogue with them, after which come to a rational choice for each particular person. Then, with whoever is left standing, they need to attempt to win the soccer recreation, as a result of that’s their job.
The one different level I wish to make is the inherent hazard of resting some gamers whereas trotting Jared Goff on the market. If the Lions have been to let Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell lastly take per week off from their every day damage battles, it might most likely not be sensible to danger Goff’s future well being with a pair of backup tackles, particularly if the Bears nonetheless have one thing to play for. So I hope the Lions acknowledge there’s a little bit of a domino impact in the event that they select to relaxation sure starters.
In brief, it’s a sophisticated choice, and it wouldn’t shock me if the Lions simply go on the market and deal with it like a standard week.
