How the Detroit Lions turned a 1–6 start into a winning season
In short: After a dismal 1–6 start to the 2022 season, the Detroit Lions staged a remarkable mid-season turnaround. By winning eight of their next ten games, the team secured their first winning record since 2017, signaling a significant shift under the leadership of head coach and general manager Dan Campbell.
The 2022 campaign was a season of extremes for the Lions. Following a difficult opening stretch that left them at 1–6, the team found momentum, winning eight of their next ten matches to finish with a 9–8 record. This was a substantial improvement over the previous year's 3–13–1 finish and marked the franchise's first winning season since 2017.
Despite the resurgence, the season ended in heartbreak regarding playoff contention. Even after defeating the Green Bay Packers in Week 18, the Lions were eliminated from the postseason for the sixth consecutive year. Although they finished with the same 9–8 record as the Seattle Seahawks, the Seahawks secured the final wild card berth due to a head-to-head victory in Week 4.
The season was also defined by strategic roster moves and coaching shifts. General manager Brad Holmes utilized the 2nd overall pick to select Michigan native Aidan Hutchinson, while also acquiring wide receiver Jameson Williams via a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. On the sidelines, the team saw coaching changes, including the firing of offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn on January 10 and the appointment of Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator on February 9.
The team's performance was marked by statistical anomalies and standout individual efforts. In Week 5, the Lions suffered a 29–0 shutout loss to the New England Patriots, becoming the first team in NFL history to fail to convert six or more fourth-down attempts in a single game. Meanwhile, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown set an NFL record by recording at least eight catches in six consecutive games.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2022 Detroit Lions season
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