We are Approaching Football Valhalla

Submitted by XM - Mt 1822 on October 17th, 2023 at 6:38 AM

Mates,

For any football fan in the Michigan area it is an exceptional time, unprecedented really.  Our beloved Wolverines have beaten ohio twice in a row, with all their institutional advantages, and each time in extremely convincing fashion.  Winning like that against the most entitled fanbase on the planet brings extra joy. 

We have of course won the B10 two times in a row.  We are about to get to the tough part of our schedule, playing PSU on the road and ohio at home.  Both games tough, both have significant risk of defeat, but we should probably be favored in both and if we can hold serve, another B10 championship game vs....Iowa?  That'd give us a 3-peat.  Trying not to get too far over our skis, nevertheless we are certainly the favorite right now and that feels great.

But add to all of that the Detroit Lions.  Yes, the Detroit Lions.  Tied for the best record in the NFL, winners of 13 of their last 16 games and overcoming some significant injuries along the way.  These are not the 'same old Lions'.  Barring some really hard turns of providence, the Lions are going to be NFC Central champs and have a home playoff game.  And while they may not be favorites to win the NFC or go to the Super Bowl, they sure as heck have a very legitimate shot.   That can be said with a straight face.  For us long-suffering Lions fans that is pretty epic on it's own.  Forward down the field!

Enjoy it while we can.  Just like bad times don't last, neither do the good ones.  Lean into this special time and savor it.  Both teams at or near the very top of their game at the same time.  Someday we'll look back and say, 'Remember when...' but for now it is right here.  How cool is that? 

XM

MGoBoard
Football

XM - Mt 1822

October 17th, 2023 at 7:43 AM ^

we hadn't won 13 out of 16 games.  we are not reliant on one star, we have greater depth, far better game planning on both sides of the ball, and none of this is a fluke.  about the only really devastating injury that i can see de-railing us is if goff gets injured.  

Joined: 12/21/2011

MGoPoints: 103336

Hensons Mobile…

October 17th, 2023 at 8:45 AM ^

Wut?

First of all, Detroit went 10-6 that year and made the playoffs for the first time since 1999. It's kind of weird that Detroit was on the SI cover following their first loss after starting 5-0 when Jim Schwartz told Jim Harbaugh to "know the rules" and then Harbaugh lifted his shirt over his nipple and slapped Schwartz on the back postgame and Schwartz took off running after Harbaugh like Paterno after a ref and then whining about how in this league there's a protocol...but I digress.

Point is, 2011 was worth believing in.

In 2023, people outside Detroit believe. This team has been getting hype and attention nationally since before the year began, and that's due to not only Detroit actually being legitimately good, but the division being really bad.

Joined: 09/12/2019

MGoPoints: 49524

Ernis

October 17th, 2023 at 8:10 AM ^

Deep as heck. Even with Branch, Gibbs, and Montgomery out, still beat a good Bucs team convincingly, on the road.

I’m willing to say this is the best Lions team I’ve seen in my lifetime. There were good teams in the 90s and the Schwarz & Campbell eras, with an handful of all-stars who were fun to watch and won some games, but the teams all had major gaps. This team, much more complete, a total package. BNL 

Joined: 09/23/2008

MGoPoints: 11480

Blarvey

October 17th, 2023 at 7:51 AM ^

Thank you. Michigan sports fandom has taught me that teams can look great and yet end up with no hardware at the end of the season. That year I was also convinced the Tigers would win the WS after beating the Yankees in the playoffs and that Brady Hoke would win multiple B1G titles at Michigan. 

Joined: 11/21/2011

MGoPoints: 3472

lilpenny1316

October 17th, 2023 at 7:44 AM ^

When it comes to the Lions, and their legit Super Bowl chances, I'm convinced of one thing...

...Jesus is coming back. After suffering through 40+ years of Lions futility, I'm willing to take all the #nopolitics negs for my only explanation for this.

Joined: 11/19/2009

MGoPoints: 61836

Ernis

October 17th, 2023 at 8:18 AM ^

Modest, too. Sign of a good leader.

(Though to be honest, the “always” but was just to complete the quote from Spaceballs.)

Howeva, this is a good point- the lack of tangible, meaningful results (winning conference or division or playoff wins) is significant. They haven’t won anything yet. But while outcomes are of principal importance, they are not a leading indicator. Process, consistency, thoroughness, culture, strategy, etc. These things are not equal to wins, but are necessary to get them. And what we are seeing from both teams is a level of quality in those attributes and others that point to success for as long as these configurations stay together, and this is distinct from prior incarnations of these teams in recent memory. Not to be discounted, recent memory be damned!

Joined: 09/23/2008

MGoPoints: 11480

Wolverinebaboo

October 17th, 2023 at 8:00 AM ^

Well said. In the back of my mind, I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall, that it won't last. Yes, and? Enjoy it right now. We are fans because we have found a dedication to and an identification with a team, and that is a most vital human thing. So the feeling of winning is really secondary to the feeling of connection to a larger community. Always a Wolverine. Always a Lion (albeit less deeply). OK, end of philosophizing at 8 in the morning.

Joined: 11/24/2012

MGoPoints: 2539

Grampy

October 17th, 2023 at 8:04 AM ^

I've been following the Lions since the Thanksgiving Day game against Green Bay in 1962 (-22 yards rushing for Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor), and I can't remember a more fun version of the team.  Individuals stand out (Billy Sims, Chris Spielman, Barry, and Calvin), but what we have now feels like a brotherhood of players committed to each other and the most singular coach in my time of watching the Lions.  Cherish it.  

In a similar sense, it feels like we have a singular coach in Jim Harbaugh, and a team committed to each other this year.  Also something to cherish.

Enjoy each game for what they are: a special moment in time.

Joined: 06/29/2012

MGoPoints: 24143