For the first time since 1934, the Detroit Lions are 10-1. The team secured this historic milestone with a commanding 24-6 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Head coach Dan Campbell’s squad has not only rewritten the franchise record books but has also established itself as a dominant force in the league, blending a powerful offense with a shutdown defense.
A Feat Nearly 90 Years in the Making
Reaching a 10-1 record is a monumental achievement for the Detroit Lions, a benchmark the franchise has not seen in 89 years. The last time the team started a season this successfully was during their inaugural year in 1934. The win also extended their current regular-season winning streak to nine games, another record not seen since that same 1934 season.
Despite the historic nature of the win, Head Coach Dan Campbell is keeping his team grounded. “We’re rolling,” Campbell said after the game. “There will be time to look back, but right now, it’s all about staying in the moment.”
This disciplined mindset is a key reason for the team’s incredible success and turnaround.
Road Warriors Pave the Way for Success
The Lions’ performance away from their home stadium has been a defining feature of their season. With the victory in Indianapolis, Detroit improved to a perfect 6-0 on the road, making them the last remaining undefeated road team in the NFL.
This is a dramatic shift from just a couple of years ago. Quarterback Jared Goff praised the team’s tough mentality. “We are road warriors,” Goff said. “It’s an us-against-the-world mentality, and it’s even better when our fans show up. They’ve been unbelievable.”
The transformation under Campbell is clear when looking at the team’s progress over the last three seasons.
| Lions’ Key Milestones Under Campbell | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Record | 3-13-1 | 9-8 | 10-1* |
| NFC Championship Game Appearance | – | Yes | TBD |
| Undefeated Road Streak | – | No | 6-0 |
*Through Week 12
Defense Creates an Impenetrable Wall
While the offense gets headlines, the Lions’ defense has been the backbone of their dominance. The unit has not allowed a single touchdown in 10 consecutive quarters. This level of discipline under coordinator Aaron Glenn has been a revelation for the team.
Sunday’s game was the third time this season that Detroit has held an opponent to under 10 points, a mark of defensive consistency last achieved by the franchise in 1983. This success is built on a culture of high expectations.
- Red Zone Dominance: The defense has held opponents scoreless in the red zone for three consecutive games.
- Balanced Attack: The team’s success is a true group effort, with both offense and defense firing on all cylinders.
- Tough Mentality: The 6-0 road record shows a team that thrives under pressure in hostile environments.
Nose tackle DJ Reader summed up the team’s attitude perfectly: “We expect to win. It’s not just hope. Excellence is the standard.”
Shifting Focus to Thanksgiving Showdown
The Lions have little time to celebrate their historic win as they prepare for their annual Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears. A victory would be their first on the holiday since 2016 and would further cement their status as a top contender in the NFC.
Running back David Montgomery shared a powerful thought on the team’s unique identity. “This is the land of misfit toys,” Montgomery said. “We’re not proving anyone wrong. We’re proving ourselves right. That’s what makes this special.”
As the Lions head into the final stretch of the season, their focus remains singular: keep winning and break even more barriers.
