This is Part 1 of the Free Press’ “Five most important players” series, in which we’ll take a look at the x-factors for the six major beats. Freep Lions beat writer Dave Birkett consulted on this list.
Starting this series with a look at the Detroit Lions is an interesting challenge. That’s because there are countless important players on the roster who could be included. It didn’t happen overnight, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes has built a roster that is now good enough to compete, with key pieces all over the field.
The Lions won eight of their final 10 games during the 2022 season, including a victory over the Green Bay Packers, ending their longtime, er, relationship with Aaron Rodgers.
But that’s in the past. Now it’s about living up to those expectations.
Let’s start by clarifying something: The most important players aren’t necessarily the best players, so a player left off the list isn’t “snubbed” — there were just five more important players.
And that’s not counting the non-players who will be key. Both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will need to have good years. Johnson has an opportunity to prove that last season was not a fluke and that he’s worthy of an NFL head-coaching gig. Meanwhile, Glenn, who was on the hot seat early in the season as the Lions struggled to get stops, needs to show he’s the right man for the job. If both coaches prove themselves this season, it’ll put the Lions that are on the field in position to succeed.