Detroit Lions Star: ‘We’re a Better Team Than We Were Last Year’

During the 2023 NFL Playoffs, the Detroit Lions fell just short of making history for their organization.

They held a 17-point second half lead in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately, they squandered that lead and their chance to appear in the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.

This season, they'll be hoping they can learn from their mistakes to get over the hump and into the Super Bowl.

As they prepare to start their playoff run with a Divisional Round matchup against the Washington Commanders, star running back Jahmyr Gibbs shared a pretty good reason why they just might be able to outdo last year's team.

While speaking to reporters on January 15, Gibbs was asked what is different for the Lions at this point in the season compared to last year.

Gibbs answered (via the Lions' team website), "We're a better team than we were last year."

The numbers back up Gibbs' assertion.

The Lions' offense was very good last season. This season they are the best in the league, averaging 6.1 points per game more than last year's squad.

The defense has also posted better numbers this season. In 2023, they were in the bottom 10 of the league in points allowed, giving up 23.2 per game.

In 2024 they are seventh in points allowed at 20.1 per game.

The offensive improvement can mostly be traced back to improvements from players already on the roster. Jameson Williams reached 1000 yards in his third season after a disappointing first two years.

Gibbs turned into a bonafide star in his second season.

The one big move on offense that has definitely paid off was adding Kevin Zeitler to an already strong offensive line.

The defense also saw big improvement from some of its young players.

Brian Branch earned a Pro Bowl nod in his second season. Kerby Joseph led the league in interceptions on his way to a First Team All-Pro nod in his third NFL season.

The additions of Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis at corner also helped the Lions improve on defense in spite of the absence of their best player on that side of the ball.

As they prepare for their first playoff game of the year, Gibbs and the Lions will be hoping these improvements help them get further than last season's team.