The Detroit Lions are no longer the league’s punchline. Once regarded as a perennial underdog, this team is now one of the most dominant forces in the NFL. Their rapid rise to prominence begs the question: how did we let this happen? How did the Lions, once a laughingstock, transform into a team that could realistically contend for a Super Bowl? Much of their success can be traced back to a few key players and moves that have turned this franchise into a powerhouse—most notably, Jared Goff and David Montgomery.

 

 

Jared Goff: From Castoff to MVP Candidate

It wasn’t long ago that Jared Goff was the subject of trade rumors and uncertainty. After being traded by the Los Angeles Rams for Matthew Stafford—part of a deal that was supposed to give the Rams the edge in their Super Bowl push—Goff was left to rebuild his career in Detroit. For many, it felt like the Lions had settled for a quarterback with a checkered past. Goff was seen as a bridge quarterback, a stopgap solution until the team could find their long-term answer.

 

Fast forward to today, and Goff is playing some of the best football of his career. The Lions’ offense is clicking on all cylinders, and Goff is at the center of it. With an NFL-record 82.8% completion rate over a six-game span and a passer rating of 140.1, Goff has made a compelling case for MVP consideration. He’s no longer just a game manager; he’s a dynamic quarterback who can make all the throws and consistently put his team in a position to win.

 

What makes Goff’s success even more impressive is his ability to thrive in tough conditions. During the Lions’ most recent win against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, Goff delivered a masterclass in wet-weather football. Despite the heavy rain and slippery conditions, Goff didn’t throw a single incompletion to Amon-Ra St. Brown, showcasing both his accuracy and his resilience. He’s been nearly perfect in every game, and that’s something we all should have seen coming—but didn’t.

 

 

David Montgomery: A Running Back Who’s Making a Difference

While Goff has been the face of Detroit’s offensive resurgence, it’s the addition of David Montgomery that’s been the unsung hero of their offensive turnaround. Coming over from the Chicago Bears in the offseason, Montgomery was seen as a solid, if unspectacular, signing. Few realized just how impactful he would be.

 

Montgomery’s hard-nosed running style has been exactly what the Lions needed. With the ability to power through defenses, break tackles, and churn out yards after contact, Montgomery has been the focal point of Detroit’s rushing attack. His physicality and relentlessness in short-yardage situations have given the Lions the kind of balanced offense that is so difficult to stop. Whether it’s moving the chains or grinding down the clock, Montgomery has been invaluable.

 

In Detroit’s recent 20-10 win over Green Bay, Montgomery ran for 82 yards and scored two touchdowns, helping to seal the victory. His ability to wear down opposing defenses and control the tempo of the game has made him a key contributor to Detroit’s success, and it’s hard to ignore the fact that the Lions’ offense has looked almost unstoppable with him in the backfield.

 

 

Why Didn’t We See This Coming?

If you’re a fan of the NFL, you’ve likely been watching the Lions’ rise in disbelief. How did we let them get away with this? When they traded for Goff and signed Montgomery, most analysts considered those moves as mere tweaks—not game-changers. Goff had been criticized for his inability to carry a team, and Montgomery was seen as a solid but unspectacular running back. Yet here they are, playing at an elite level and leading one of the best offenses in the NFL.

 

Looking back, the Lions’ potential was always there, but it was hidden behind years of mismanagement and underwhelming performances. Under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, this team has found an identity—a physical, tough, and smart team that can do it all. They play complementary football, with Goff distributing the ball efficiently, Montgomery wearing down defenses, and a defense that is growing stronger each week.

 

It’s not just about Goff and Montgomery, either. The Lions have a complete roster, with key players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, who’s been an absolute monster this season, and a defense that, while not yet elite, has shown the ability to stifle opponents when it counts. The offensive line has been dominant, opening up huge lanes for Montgomery, and the special teams unit has been solid as well.

 

But the real question remains: how did we let the Lions sneak up on us like this? With everything they’ve done right—from roster moves to coaching decisions—they’ve managed to assemble one of the most complete teams in the NFL. The only thing standing in their way now is the rest of the league catching up.

 

 

What Does the Future Hold for the Lions?

If you’re a Detroit Lions fan, the future looks bright. They’re a team that has the ability to go toe-to-toe with anyone, and they’re only getting better. Goff has proven that he’s more than capable of leading this team to victory, and Montgomery has shown he’s the kind of running back who can power a team to the playoffs. With the defense improving and the offense continuing to click, it’s not out of the question that the Lions could be a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the near future.

 

But what about the rest of the NFL? How did they allow the Lions to become this formidable? Whether it’s Goff’s resurgence, Montgomery’s impact, or the overall balance of the roster, Detroit is the team no one saw coming. Now that they’re here, it’s time to ask the hard questions: How did we let this happen? And more importantly, how can anyone stop them now?

 

 

The Lions have gone from a joke to a juggernaut—and the NFL better be paying attention. It’s no longer a matter of if Detroit will contend—it’s when. So, how did we let the Detroit Lions get away with this? The answer is simple: we underestimated them. And now, they’re proving us all wrong.