Is It True That the Detroit Lions Would Have Defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, the Super Bowl Champions, in the NFC Championship Game If They Were Healthy?
The 2023 NFL season was a thrilling rollercoaster of dramatic victories, unexpected upsets, and compelling narratives that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last play. Among the most discussed teams this season were the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles, led by head coach Nick Sirianni, eventually went on to win the Super Bowl, cementing their status as the best team in the league. However, throughout the season, a question lingered in the minds of many: Could the Detroit Lions, a team that displayed immense potential, have defeated the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game if they had been fully healthy?
While there is no definitive way to answer this question—since it is inherently speculative and involves many variables—this article will delve into the key factors that contributed to both teams’ success during the season, the injuries that plagued the Lions, and how those factors might have played out in a potential playoff matchup.
The Rise of the Detroit Lions
The 2023 season marked a significant turnaround for the Detroit Lions. Historically, the Lions had been one of the NFL’s most downtrodden franchises, often struggling to field competitive teams. However, the Lions’ fortunes began to shift under head coach Dan Campbell, whose relentless attitude and focus on building a tough, gritty team started to pay dividends in 2022. The 2023 season was a continuation of that progress, with the Lions emerging as one of the league’s most exciting teams.
Offensively, the Lions had a dynamic and well-balanced attack. Quarterback Jared Goff, who had been somewhat maligned early in his career, took his game to new heights. Goff finished the season with impressive stats, throwing for over 4,400 yards and 29 touchdowns, which helped Detroit finish with one of the league’s top offenses. The Lions’ offense was further bolstered by the presence of running back David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, as well as an explosive receiving corps headlined by Amon-Ra St. Brown.
On defense, the Lions were no slouches either. They had a potent pass rush with players like Aidan Hutchinson, who emerged as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers in his second season. Additionally, the secondary, led by veterans like Cameron Sutton and young talent like Brian Branch, showed signs of being a formidable unit. While the Lions’ defense was not as elite as their offense, it was certainly improved from previous years and had the capability to shut down opposing teams on any given Sunday.
However, despite their many strengths, the Lions were not without their issues in 2023. Injuries plagued them throughout the season, with key players missing significant time. This included important contributors like running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Jameson Williams. These injuries led many to wonder just how good the Lions could have been if they had been fully healthy.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Dominance
On the other side of the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles were a powerhouse from start to finish. The Eagles entered the 2023 season as one of the most complete teams in the league, with few weaknesses on either side of the ball. Head coach Nick Sirianni had built a roster that was stacked with talent, particularly on offense.
Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ quarterback, was the engine that made the offense run. Hurts had an MVP-caliber season in 2023, throwing for 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns while also rushing for 13 touchdowns. His dual-threat ability, both as a passer and a runner, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Hurts was supported by a loaded offensive line, one of the best in the league, which provided him with ample time to survey the field. Additionally, the Eagles’ receiving corps, led by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, gave Hurts two elite weapons on the outside.
But it wasn’t just the offense that made the Eagles so dangerous. Their defense was equally imposing. The Eagles boasted one of the NFL’s top defenses, with stars like defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, linebacker Haason Reddick, and cornerback Darius Slay leading the charge. The Eagles were exceptional at both rushing the passer and defending the run, making them a balanced and formidable unit.
The Eagles’ ability to dominate both sides of the ball helped them finish the regular season with a 14-3 record, securing the NFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They steamrolled through the competition in the NFC playoffs, defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, and ultimately winning the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs.
A Potential NFC Championship Game: Lions vs. Eagles
While the Eagles were the undisputed champions of the NFC, the Lions’ 2023 season was not without its promise. Detroit’s strong offensive showing, paired with a much-improved defense, made them a team that could have posed a significant challenge to Philadelphia if they had been fully healthy. The question becomes: Could the Lions have defeated the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game if they had entered the game at full strength?
To answer this, let’s look at the key aspects that could have tilted the scales in the Lions’ favor, as well as the obstacles they would have had to overcome to defeat a juggernaut like the Eagles.
1. The Health of Key Players
The most obvious factor that could have shifted the balance of a potential NFC Championship Game would be the health of the Lions’ roster. As mentioned, injuries played a significant role in the Lions’ season, particularly to some of their key players. David Montgomery, who had been a workhorse in the backfield, missed time with injury, as did wide receiver Jameson Williams, who was expected to be a key deep threat for the offense.
Had Montgomery been fully healthy for the playoffs, the Lions would have had the luxury of relying on a strong ground game to complement their aerial attack. Montgomery’s bruising running style could have kept the Eagles’ defense honest, forcing them to respect the run and potentially opening up more opportunities for Goff to find his playmakers in the passing game. Additionally, the return of Williams would have added another explosive weapon to the Lions’ offense, providing a deep threat that could have stretched the Eagles’ secondary.
On defense, the Lions were also hit by injuries, with key contributors like cornerback Jeff Okudah and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez missing time. A healthy defense would have been essential to slowing down Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ potent offense. The Lions’ defensive line, particularly Aidan Hutchinson, would have needed to generate consistent pressure on Hurts, forcing him to make plays under duress. A healthy defense could have disrupted the Eagles’ timing and made it harder for Hurts to execute the offense efficiently.
2. The Lions’ Offensive Line vs. The Eagles’ Defensive Line
One of the most intriguing matchups in an NFC Championship Game between these two teams would be the battle in the trenches. The Eagles’ defensive line, which includes elite pass-rushers like Haason Reddick and Brandon Graham, is one of the most formidable in the NFL. However, the Lions also boast a solid offensive line, one of the better units in the league. With players like Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell anchoring the front, the Lions would have had the tools to potentially neutralize the Eagles’ pass rush.
If the Lions’ offensive line could provide Goff with enough time to operate in the pocket, they would have been able to exploit some of the Eagles’ defensive vulnerabilities. Philadelphia’s secondary, while strong, is not invincible, and Goff’s precision passing could have taken advantage of mismatches. If the Lions could slow down the Eagles’ pass rush, they might have had a chance to establish a rhythm on offense, controlling the pace of the game and keeping the Eagles’ offense off the field.
3. Slowing Down Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ Offense
Jalen Hurts was one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL in 2023, capable of beating teams with his arm and his legs. The Lions’ defense would have had to find a way to contain him, which is no easy feat. Hurts’ ability to extend plays with his legs and make clutch throws on third down would have posed a significant challenge for Detroit’s defense.
However, the Lions did have some tools at their disposal. Hutchinson’s pass-rushing ability, combined with the physicality of their linebackers and secondary, could have created opportunities for turnovers or disruptions. Additionally, the Lions’ defense had shown a capacity to adapt to dynamic offenses, and with the right game plan, they could have minimized Hurts’ impact.
That being said, the Eagles’ offensive line was one of the best in the league, and Hurts’ ability to read defenses and make quick decisions made him extremely difficult to stop. The Lions would have needed to be at their best in terms of discipline, execution, and tackling to keep Hurts in check.
4. Special Teams and Coaching
While injuries and matchups would have been critical factors in this hypothetical NFC Championship Game, the role of coaching and special teams could not be overlooked. Dan Campbell, with his high-energy, motivating style, had proven to be a capable leader for the Lions, but Nick Sirianni had built one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL. Sirianni’s ability to make in-game adjustments, coupled with the Eagles’ experienced staff, would have presented a challenge for Campbell and his team.
Special teams could also play a significant role in a playoff game. The Eagles’ special teams, led by veterans like Jake Elliott and Arryn Siposs, had the ability to shift the momentum of games with big kicks or punt returns. The Lions would have needed to match that intensity to avoid falling behind in the field-position battle.