The Detroit Lions, not the Bears, should be playing in Philly opening night..
The Detroit Lions, not the Chicago Bears, should have been the team playing in Philadelphia on opening night of the NFL season. While both teams have storied histories, the Lions have shown far more potential and promise in recent years, positioning themselves as a team on the rise. Given their trajectory, the Lions were an ideal candidate to face the defending Super Bowl champions in such a high-profile opening matchup.
One of the key reasons the Lions should have been chosen for the opening night game is their recent resurgence. After years of mediocrity, the Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, have displayed a renewed sense of energy and competitiveness. Their performance during the 2022 season, where they finished strong with a 9-8 record, signaled a dramatic shift from previous years. The team’s offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff and an explosive supporting cast, became one of the most dynamic in the NFL. Goff’s play improved significantly from earlier in his career, and the Lions were in contention for a playoff spot until the final weeks of the season.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears, despite being a historically rich franchise, have been struggling in recent years. In 2022, the Bears finished with a disappointing 3-14 record, signaling that they were far from being playoff contenders. Despite having a promising quarterback in Justin Fields, the Bears have not shown the same level of consistency or explosiveness as the Lions. Their rebuilding process, while it holds promise, hasn’t yet reached the point where they should be given the honor of playing in such a prominent opening night game.
Furthermore, the Lions have demonstrated the type of intriguing narrative that the NFL loves for its opening game. With a new culture established by Campbell and a team that has made key additions in both the draft and free agency, the Lions’ path to contention has been compelling. They represent an exciting underdog story, and their matchup against the Eagles, the reigning NFC champions, would create a storyline that NFL fans would be eager to see unfold. This story of an up-and-coming team facing a powerhouse would resonate with a broader audience, making for a more exciting spectacle than simply showcasing the Bears, who still need more time to prove they can compete at the highest level.
In addition to the on-field excitement, the Lions boast a passionate fanbase that has long yearned for a return to relevance. Detroit fans, having endured decades of disappointment, would relish the opportunity to watch their team take on the defending champions in such a high-stakes game. This energy would not only elevate the game but also draw attention to a franchise that has often been overlooked in recent years.
In conclusion, the Detroit Lions, with their emerging talent, invigorated coaching staff, and growing fan support, deserved the chance to open the NFL season in Philadelphia, facing the defending Super Bowl champions. While the Bears are a franchise with a rich history, they have yet to show the kind of on-field success and excitement that would warrant such a prime-time slot. The Lions’ potential, combined with their captivating narrative, would have made for a far more compelling opening night matchup.
