Detroit Lions have all the makings of a frisky but still bad NFL team

The Detroit Lions have been more competitive in two losses than expected, at least at points of those games. But that might actually be who this team is.

Starting the season 0-2 was the expected outcome for the Detroit Lions with the 49ers and Packers first on the schedule. And it’s likely they’ll end up with three straight losses as they host the Ravens in Week 3.

What’s been shocking, though, has been the relative competitiveness of the Lions. Many people thought this team would get steamrolled for 60 minutes on 17 different occasions this year. That has not been the case, however. Jared Goff and the offense almost completed an unreal comeback against San Francisco and then the club had a 17-14 halftime lead over the Packers.

To be sure, the losses are going to be the norm in the Motor City this season. But what we may have underrated about the Lions is that they aren’t going to roll over in any game they play this season. In fact, they look like they can be a thorn in the side of even the best teams in the league.

Wins aren’t going to come easy for the Detroit Lions but they’ll fight every time out.

Honestly, this should’ve been what we expected from the moment head coach Dan Campbell talked about biting kneecaps in his introductory press conference. This is a team that is going to play tough, is going to buy in, and is going to compete every time they take the field.

And though they are far from a contending roster, there is talent on this team. Say what you will about Goff and his contract or the fact that he was the No. 1 overall pick once upon a time, he has a great arm and can make plenty of throws. The offensive line has a ton of talent that can protect and pave the road for a talented running back duo in D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams.

Losing Jeff Okudah on the defense is a tough, tough blow but there are still a number of quality veterans on the defense that will make plays at times to keep their team in the game.

Where the majority of the rest of the league — and especially teams like the 49ers and Packers — separate themselves from the Lions is with their depth and overall playmaking talent. When the Lions wear down, it starts to show on the scoreboard. The same can be said for the lack of options in the passing game, which is evident quite often already.

With that said, the Detroit Lions are a team that is going to make opposing teams sweat throughout the year. They’re going to come out in many games and keep pace for a half or three quarters and seemingly have the outcome in doubt. Ultimately, though, they’re still not a good NFL team and will falter down the stretch.

All that being said, the Lions won’t be as ostensibly bad as their record will show at the end of the season, in addition to the fact that Detroit can definitely pop up and get any team that takes them too lightly. This team is never going to be a cakewalk to beat and, if nothing else, that’s something Campbell and the front office can build on.