Every single game in the NFL counts. This is a big reason why the league is so popular, and why the football season as a whole appeals to us all for five months. At the same time, when you hear players and coaches talk about the early stages of the regular season, you’ll hear many of the same sentiments from around the league. “We’re trying to establish an identity,” or, “You don’t really know who you are until mid-October.” And for your 2026 Detroit Lions, that’s certainly the case.
After a disappointing loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, the Detroit Lions bounced back in a big way with a 45-21 thrashing of the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. The Lions’ defense took a few steps forward, and after a slow start, the offense looked like a brand new version of their former selves. You could say they are back to their bs.
I took paper, no stressin, put it all
They gave me a good thing and I made that thing better
Raised a notch, my watch changed the weather
I’m bigger and better, s*** bigger than ever
At times, it felt like some of those games from the 2024 season where the Lions offense just blew it against some underwhelming opponents. At the same time, it looks different than some of those units from the past. Whether it’s the MVP-caliber play from quarterback Jared Goff or running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the evolved version of wide receiver Jameson Williams, or the way first-year offensive coordinator Drew Petzing runs the offense. It felt similar to the way they dominated the Cardinal defense, though it was executed in a different way.
As I mentioned above, it’s still early in the season with a long way to go. And while there have been ups-and-downs through the first five weeks, being 3-2 heading into their Week 6 bye isn’t a bad place to be. Especially with the lengthy return of safety Brian Branch and center Cade Mays.
Enjoy this Victory Week, Lions fans. And maybe throw in some BigX while you’re at it.