ESPN analyst makes best case yet why Lions shouldn't be disrespected in 2025

The Detroit Lions have had an offseason of change, and that has led some to leap from their bandwagon heading into a new season.

Given the fact the Lions had to replace both coordinators, some see the mountain as too tall three years in a row to remain on elite footing. They see the Lions as a team that may have peaked, and could now be on the way down.

ESPN's Ryan Clark is not one of those people. Clark visited Lions camp and came away impressed with what he saw happening on the field. When appearing on "Monday Night Countdown" he offered a great expl anation as to why too many are sleeping on the Lions.

"The Detroit Lions are a team that's poised to be right back where they were last year, which is the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC. We're talking about two running backs that can absolutely get it done. Jared Goff, who they told me this week is everything to this team and Dan Campbell, who I watched at practice be precise, be intense, and have a sense of urgency for a team that feels like they've underachieved two years in a row."

Clark especially likes what he's seen on defense, where the Lions have gotten much healthier and have reloaded after a 2024 season spent on the brink. He believes that side of the ball could be key to fuel a run.

"Kelvin Sheppard told me after taking over for Aaron Glenn on the defensive side of the ball he is coming after people. N ot to mention he has 12 dudes who were on the IR last year in the playoffs. (The Lions) also lost Amik Robertson in the first-half playing against the Washington Commanders. They're back."

While it could be tough for the Lions to go 15-2 again with a stronger schedule, Detroit could certainly win 10 games or more and claim the NFC North for a third straight year. Doing whatever they can to win the division and prepare for a playoff run should be the top goal, while letting other chips fall where they may.

David Montgomery believes Lions are motivated by playoff losses

In order to get over the hump, the Lions need to remain hungry and driven. That won't be a problem according to Montgomery, who has witnessed Detroit's near misses the last few years up close.

Instead of being dejected by the playoff losses, the Lions are using the frustration to fuel them. As Montgomery explained to Clark on the "Pivot Podcast," the locker room isn't satisfied with what they have done and are motivated by a chance to claim the ultimate prize.

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"I know my mom used to tell me when I used to do stuff over and over and not listen, she gets sick and tired of being sick and tired. We have this standard and this expectation for ourselves that we haven't met yet and this city deserves it. You get a blue collar place who's been through the trenches and always been dragged through the dirt. It's their turn and their time now and they deserve it. We're trying to do whatever we got to do to ensure that we're able to fulfill that for them."

Perhaps the offseason disrespect will be enough to get the Lions over the top. The franchise can fly under the radar this season compared to years past, and is still shaping up as a formidable NFC threat in 2025 like Clark says.

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