Three and Out: Meeting a mantra, Hutchinson's breakout and a test of depth
Here are three observations after a second viewing and a night to ponder the Detroit Lions’ 20-16 loss the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Sunday emphasized mantra
Admittedly, I find slogans to be a bit silly. Sure, they might look good on a t-shirt or in a promo video, but they typically offer little more. That said, I think the Lions have nailed it with their 2024 mantra: “It takes more.”
First and foremost, it sets a tone that all the blood, sweat and tears they poured into last season was good, but not good enough. That effort got you to the doorstep of greatness, but you were ultimately left on the outside looking in as the 49ers powered through the second half of the NFC Championship, erasing a 17-point deficit in the third quarter to take your spot at the Super Bowl table.
I think most who watched that game and looked over Detroit’s roster could see staying power. But you’ll hear coaches and players say it all the time, “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.” It’s not so much getting worse as you’re getting passed by, tortoise-and-the-hare style. Any advantage you have over the competition in professional sports quickly withers if you’re not continuing to push forward.