The Detroit Lions enter the 2024 season with the kind of expectations they’ve never really had. After losing the NFC Championship Game last year, and in the fashion they lost it (blowing a 24-7 halftime lead) it’s definitely “Super Bowl of bust” to some extent.
Under that umbrella of high expectations, there are Lions’ players who are entering important seasons in their careers. Big, critical, make-or-break, you can pick the label that suits you. The extent of the team’s success this season may be driven by how these players perform in these critical as personal career outlooks get altered in a positive or negative direction.
5. S Ifeatu Melifonwu
Melifonwu showed significant promise in the latter part of the 2023 season, posting impressive numbers from Week 14 to the NFC Championship Game. However, he is dealing with another injury, which clouds his status for the start of the 2024 season. Additionally, with Brian Branch moving to safety, Melifonwu’s role could be diminished. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Melifonwu needs to stay healthy and prove his value to secure a future with the Lions.
4. DT Levi Onwuzurike
Onwuzurike has been working hard to overcome back issues that have plagued his career. His positive performance during OTAs and training camp, including some work as a defensive end, suggests he’s in a better place physically. Now, he needs to translate this into consistent performance on the field. As a 2021 second-round pick, he must make a noticeable impact to solidify his place in the Lions’ defensive front.
3. QB Jared Goff
Goff had a solid season in 2023 but needs to elevate his game further to meet the high expectations set for the Lions. After a heartbreaking NFC Championship Game loss, the pressure is on Goff to lead the team to the Super Bowl. He must maintain his performance, especially under the heightened scrutiny, and prove he’s the quarterback to guide the Lions to a championship.
2. CB Jeff Okudah
Okudah’s career has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play. 2024 is crucial for him to demonstrate that he can be a reliable and effective cornerback. With the Lions’ secondary looking to bolster its coverage, Okudah needs to stay healthy and show significant improvement. His performance will be closely monitored as he looks to justify his draft status and secure his future with the team.
1. LB Malcolm Rodriguez
Rodriguez has shown flashes of potential but needs to become a more consistent presence for the Lions’ defense. Entering a critical phase of his career, he must establish himself as a key playmaker and leader on the defense. If he can make a strong impact and stay healthy, he could solidify his role and potentially earn a significant contract extension.
Each of these players has a critical role to play in the Lions’ success in 2024, and their performance will be closely scrutinized as the team aims for a Super Bowl run.