Fansided

5 reasons the Detroit Lions will return to playoffs in 2017

By John Buhler

January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) beats Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) and scores a touchdown to win the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions won 22-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) beats Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) and scores a touchdown to win the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions won 22-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

4. They already know how to win close games

Some will try to deconstruct the Lions’ nine regular season wins as being mostly the beneficiaries of either-or games. The Lions played in an absurd number of close games in 2016, most decided by seven points or less.

While some could argue that the Lions were a 6-10 team masquerading as a 9-7 team, they did find a way to win these tight ball games and that matters. When games were tight, the Lions managed to play loose and grab the victory for the taking.

There are four reasons for this that cannot be understated: 1.) Quarterback Matthew Stafford is a maestro in fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives. 2.) Kicker Matt Prater will make the 50-yard field goal under intense pressure. 3.) The defense doesn’t collapse late in games under defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. 4. ) Head coach Jim Caldwell’s stoic demeanor only aids in the Lions being cool under pressure.

The Lions may lose games in blowouts in 2017, but there seems to be too much good in how they conduct themselves in winning time for that to disappear after this season; call it the clutch gene or just being prepared. Lesser teams can’t deliver in those situations. Expect the Lions to win about five of those games next season. It’s in their DNA.

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