The Detroit Lions: The State of the Rebuild

0-10-1, that is a pathetic, humbling record. For the rebuilding Detroit Lions that was the teams record heading into yesterdays tilt against the Minnesota Vikings. It has been a long painful season for the Lions record wise. But through the losses there has been some good, believe it or not.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 31: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Ford Field on October 31, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

This season was never going to be about wins/losses. It was going to be about getting Lions General Manager, Brad Holmes first draft class experience. As bad as the Lions record is, they have only been blown out in two games. The Cincinnati Bengals (34-11) and Philadelphia Eagles (44-6.)

The Lions roster as it stands now was never put together to win many games. They were put together in all honesty to be near the bottom of the NFL in order to get a good first round draft pick. Check. As of right now the Lions and Brad Holmes will be picking first overall.

As I mentioned, Holmes draft class was said to be one of the best. Those players have played like it. Players such as Derrick Barnes, Jerry Jacobs, Alim McNeill, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown (who has really been coming on as of late.) Have played very well for the Lions this season and are getting better as the season goes on.

Dan Campbell has had some in-game decisions that have been head-scratchers. Yet, Campbell and his staff have done a solid job overall with player development.

Detroit Lions cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu (26) celebrates with Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill (54), Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55), and Detroit Lions defensive end Michael Brockers (91) after a play during an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, September 12, 2021. (Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions defense is a player or two away from being a very good unit. This group has been fun to watch grow, have set backs, learn and move on. The offense is a few players away. The offensive line is good and has really not had all of the starters all season because of injuries.

Sitting at 1-10-1 is not glamorous by any means. Yet, there is some hint of a silver lining. Rebuilds are tough and not fun. Yet, watching the Detroit Lions fight and stay is many games has been a good sign of things to come.

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