takeaways from Lions’ Divisional Round win over the Buccaneers

Fresh off a historic win, the Lions prove yet again they belong in the playoff picture. Next up: the NFC Championship.

The Detroit Lions have sent a message: this team is for real.

Emotions were high following a historic playoff win last week over the Los Angeles Rams, slaying the demons of a playoff drought and Matthew Stafford in one fell swoop. Detroit was not phased or satisfied, and they proved it against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the 31-23 win, the Lions have punched their ticket to the NFC Championship and a date with the San Francisco 49ers.

Let’s examine some takeaways.

The team that can, will, and has

The Lions broke the streak last week with their first playoff win in ages, but that was not the end of the road. With this victory, the Lions have not only achieved another playoff win, but this regime led by Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes has firmly entrenched itself as the most successful era of Lions football since the days of Barry Sanders.

The Detroit Lions are no longer just a sneaky good team: this is a team that is playing football worthy of a Super Bowl. Before the big dance, the Lions have a titan ahead of them in the San Francisco 49ers. Yet given how much this team has grown under its leadership, any team feels beatable.

Jared Goff is the man

The Lions would be nowhere without Jared Goff.

Goff has grown so much during his time with the Lions, and his growth reflects the team’s progress as well. So many players have found a home in Detroit and its culture. It’s one thing to see a team rally around their quarterback, but it’s another to see him step up like Goff has. Goff has made clutch throw after clutch throw, all while minimizing the mistakes and keeping the offense humming.