An NFC North team in the National Football League found the ingredient to winning games.
Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions are 8-2 and buzzing with excitement.
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Detroit was a laughing stock for decades, but now the franchise is a playoff team.
The Lions made great business decisions to put it in this situation, including a move to draft players from the University of Alabama. Detroit selected wide receiver Jameson Williams at No. 12 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and then returned with getting running back Jahmyr Gibbs and defensive back Brian Branch in the following draft. All moves have paid off for the Lions as it’s become one of the most entertaining teams in the league. Detroit grabbed its eighth win of the season in Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Williams, Gibbs, and Branch contributed to the 31-26 victory for the Lions at home.
Gibbs had 36 yards rushing, 59 yards receiving, and a touchdown on 14 touches. Williams collected two receptions for 44 yards, including a touchdown catch from Jared Goff. Branch recorded six total tackles (four solo), three tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and a hit on Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields. All three have had a marquee impact for the Lions this season.
Williams posted 79 catches for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2021 at Alabama, helping the team to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Gibbs turned in 926 yards rushing, 444 yards receiving, and 10 touchdowns in 2022, pacing Alabama to an Allstate Sugar Bowl victory.
Branch was on the Crimson Tide’s 2020 CFP National Championship team and won two SEC Championships.
Alabama fans are thrilled to see all three helping the Lions become successful.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith
