Hall of fame running back Barry Sanders. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Barry Sanders believes Lions are on an upward trajectory

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 11/27/22

In just a few weeks, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell went from on the hot seat to just two and a half games out of the final wild card spot in the NFC.

Winners of three straight heading into Week 12, the Lions gave the Buffalo Bills all they could handle in a 28-25 loss on Thanksgiving, prompting franchise legend Barry Sanders to acknowledge the team’s mid-season turnaround.

No moral victories, but we are learning how to win and games like this are part of that process. I see this team's future getting brighter. Happy Thanksgiving to all the players, the front office and the Fords as well and their families - #ROAR @Lions https://t.co/Eg45UJxItA
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) November 24, 2022

Sanders’ statement echoes Campbell’s post-game remarks after Detroit beat the New York Giants two weeks ago — the Lions are learning how to win.

The team recorded its first three-game win streak since November 2017, over the last four weeks Detroit appears to be finally turning a corner.

The Lions surrendered 414.5 yards of total offense and 28.2 points per game with 11 giveaways through the first seven weeks. But over the last four, they’re allowed a shade over 400 yards and 21.2 points per game with just three giveaways.

"Us being able to see that we're that close to winning those types of games (against teams like Buffalo), I think gives everybody in this locker room hope,” receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown told reporters after the game. “We know we're just so close, we've just got to eliminate the little mistakes, penalties here and there, play it clean and maybe they'll come our way the next time."

More must-reads: