Al Michaels called the Detroit Lions “the NFL’s new must see TV” ahead of Thursday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Lions are enjoying one of their greatest ever eras under head coach Dan Campbell. They won the NFC North in 2023 to clinch their first divisional title for 30 years before beating the Los Angeles Rams in the postseason to win their first playoff game since 1991.
Detroit came up three points short in January’s NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, but Campbell’s players have returned stronger this NFL season. They went into ‘Thursday Night Football’ on a 10-game winning streak to boast a 11-1 record.
Only the Kansas City Chiefs have won as many games as the Lions this season, with the latter team eyeing up the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Veteran play-by-play caller Michaels covered Thursday’s game for Amazon Prime alongside Kirk Herbstreit.
“The Lions came into the season with sky-high expectations,” said Michaels. “They’ve lived up to them certainly, 11-1 is their record.
“They’ve won 10 games in a row, they lead the NFC… they’d be the No. 1 seed. They lead the league in scoring (after the Baltimore Ravens). They have Pro Bowl players left and right, at least candidates. To me, they have become the NFL’s new must see TV.”
Herbstreit was in full agreement. He replied: “I think you’re dead on. I think when you think about that, it really starts with the offense. All the firepower they have, an experienced offensive line and a quarterback right now that’s playing as well as anybody.”
Herbstreit then pointed out Detroit’s injury problems, with 18 players on Injury Reserve – 13 of which are defensive. He added: “I think the thing that stands out is this defense – 13 guys on the IR, three more down tonight, and yet their still No. 2 in the NFL in scoring.”
Despite their injury problems, Detroit’s fans are dreaming of a run to the Super Bowl. The Lions have four NFL championships to their name but the last of those came in 1957. They have never even played in a Super Bowl, let alone win the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The Lions could see one of their key players return from injury if they reach the championship game. Aidan Hutchinson suffered a double leg break during Week 6, but the defensive end Pro Bowler is believed to be targeting an unlikely comeback this season.
Sports Illustrated reporter Albert Breer said on ‘Thursday Night Football’ that Hutchinson is expected to be fit enough for the Super Bowl, should the Lions get there. That remains a big if – with the Philadelphia Eagles (10-2), Minnesota Vikings (10-2), Packers (9-3), and Washington Commanders (8-5) all looking in good shape in the NFC.
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