Detroit Lions Eye Redemption After Playoff Heartbreak
Detroit’s Playoff Collapse and What Could Have Been The Detroit Lions were poised for a deep playoff run, standing among the NFC’s elite alongside the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings. However, their Super Bowl dreams came crashing down after a shocking Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders. The Eagles went on to dominate the Commanders in the NFC Championship Game before decisively defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, showcasing their championship-caliber performance. Yet, despite their dominance, Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown believes Detroit could have been a real threat had circumstances been different.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Bold Claim During a recent episode of the St. Brown Podcast, the Lions’ star wide receiver did not hold back his confidence in his team’s abilities. When the idea of Detroit facing Philadelphia in the 2025 season opener was mentioned, St. Brown stated, “You would see with our healthy defense how that s*** operates.” His words suggest that the Lions were not at full strength when they fell to the Commanders and that, if healthy, they could have made a legitimate push for the Super Bowl.
The Impact of Injuries on Detroit’s Playoff Run One of the biggest hurdles for the Lions was their depleted defense. Injuries ravaged Detroit’s defensive unit, leaving them vulnerable against a Washington offense led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The absence of key pass rushers, standout linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, and star cornerback Carlton Davis left the Lions struggling to contain the Commanders’ attack. Throughout the regular season, Detroit’s defense had been a stronghold, contributing significantly to their No. 1 seed finish in the NFC. However, their misfortune in the playoffs prevented them from showing their true potential in a highly anticipated matchup against the Eagles.
A New Challenge Awaits in 2025 Looking ahead, the Lions face another uphill battle in maintaining their high level of play. With the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching jobs, head coach Dan Campbell will need to ensure continuity on both sides of the ball. To stabilize the defense, Campbell promoted former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. While Sheppard is a familiar face, he has enormous shoes to fill in a defense that was instrumental to Detroit’s success.
Will the Lions Face the Eagles in the 2025 Season Opener? As the NFL prepares to announce its schedule, speculation is growing about who the Eagles will face in the 2025 season opener. A matchup between Philadelphia and Detroit would be a blockbuster event, pitting two of the NFC’s strongest teams against each other. However, the league might opt for an NFC Championship rematch between the Eagles and the Commanders or a high-profile clash with the Dallas Cowboys.
Regardless of the opponent, if the Lions do land the opening night game, it will be their chance to prove that they belong among the league’s elite. With a fully healthy roster and a renewed sense of determination, Detroit will be aiming to rewrite the narrative and show the NFL world that they are ready to contend for a championship.
