As the Detroit Lions’ incredible season comes to an end, General Manager Brad Holmes has a clear message for the team’s devoted fans: the ride is far from done. After a season that exceeded expectations and enthralled the NFL world, Holmes wants to underline that the Lions’ success in 2023 is not a one-time occurrence, but rather a foreshadowing of what’s to come.
Surpassing expectations
The Lions entered the 2023 season with the goal of dominating the NFC North and securing a playoff triumph. They not only met these objectives, but significantly exceeded them, ending the regular season with a 12-5 record, winning the NFC North championship, and making an impressive playoff run to the NFC Championship Game. Despite leading 24-7 at halftime against the 49ers, the Lions suffered a tight defeat, losing 34-31.
Challenging “Cinderella Story”
In the midst of national conversations categorizing the Lions’ season as a “Cinderella Story,” Holmes strongly rejects this classification.
“I want to tell our fans, it’s only going to get better,” Holmes remarked on Monday. “We’ll only grow better. I don’t want anyone to think this was a one-time, Cinderella-style wonderful experience. No, it is real. This is exactly what was intended to happen. We enjoy the window we are in.”
Salute to the Fans.
Holmes made a point of recognizing the Lions’ supporters throughout his speech.
“It is not debatable that we have the best fan base in the world. We could not have asked for more from them.”
Looking ahead.
The Detroit Lions, under Brad Holmes’ leadership, are primed for a bright future. While the 2023 season fell short of the ultimate aim, it built a solid basis for future success. Holmes’ confidence in the team’s direction, as well as his recognition of the fans’ persistent support, usher in a new era for the Lions, one full of promise and expectation for what comes next. As the team attempts to capitalize on its success this season, the message is clear: this is merely the beginning of Detroit’s NFL ascension.
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Jaguars Offer K Riley Patterson Futures Contract
Riley Patterson kicked for two teams this season after leaving Jacksonville due to a Sean Payton decision in mid-offseason. The former Jaguars kicker could return to his old job in 2024.
According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, the Jaguars signed Patterson to a reserve/futures deal on Monday. Patterson played for the Jaguars in 2022 before moving on to the Lions and Browns in 2023. Patterson is the lone kicker added to the Jaguars’ offseason roster, as Brandon McManus is not under contract in 2024.
Last year, the Jags’ kicker plans were altered due to McManus’ unexpected availability. After the Broncos labeled their long-time kicker as a post-June 1 cut, the Jaguars swiftly signed him. They later traded Patterson back to the Lions. Patterson, who has spent his entire NFL career moving between Detroit and Jacksonville, appeared in 13 Lions games this season. Despite making 15 of 17 field goals with the Lions, an ongoing practice competition forced the NFC North winners to dismiss him after giving Michael Badgley, their main 2022 kicker, his job back.
Badgley concluded the season as Detroit’s kicker, being left on the bench as Dan Campbell chose to go for two second-half fourth-down field goal attempts, while Patterson stood in for Dustin Hopkins in Cleveland. Patterson, 24, attempted only one field goal with the Browns.
Patterson was waived by the Lions before the 2022 season and went 30-for-35 with the Jaguars that year after being claimed on waivers. He made a game-winning field goal to cap the team’s comeback victory over the Chargers in the wild-card round. This season, McManus finished 30-for-37, missing five of his ten attempts from beyond 50 yards. McManus, 32, is scheduled to become a free agent in March.
