Do the Lions have "IT?" Michael GOOSE Collins thinks so!

I’ve seen a lot of Lions games. I’ve been a Lions fan for as long as I can remember. Sunday afternoons with dad on the couch are fond memories. Being able

I’ve seen a lot of Lions games. I’ve been a Lions fan for as long as I can remember. Sunday afternoons with dad on the couch are fond memories. Being able to witness Barry Sanders in his prime is an experience for anyone. Through good times and bad…actually I can’t think of too many good times, but either way I’ve witnessed many great moments in Lion’s history, and I think last Sunday was the best I had ever seen the Lions play.  

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Sunday against the Denver Broncos was a realization of truths. The Lions are good, and best of all they are playing with the kind of spirit needed to unite a playoff team. They’re playing well on both sides of the ball and really molding into a solid unit. With John Kitna leading a talented offense and characters like Shaun Rogers and Ernie Sims firing up the defense, they are a real team this year. But actually seeing this transformation that has been evolving this season is remarkable. Laughing to myself as I watched Shaun Rogers lumber down that field Sunday and tumble into the end zone was proof enough to me. I’ve been in the locker rooms after games and felt the mood. It’s clear they’re confident and know they have what it takes to win games, and Sunday’s game against the Broncos proved that.  

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Jason Hanson was the story of the day as he scored the first of the Lions 44 points Sunday. Hanson became the 11th player in history to score more than 1600 points and looks to keep climbing. After a few field goals and a 15-yard touchdown reception for Mike Furrey, it was all Defense. Apart from holding Denver to 7 points late in the fourth quarter, the Lions Defense managed to put 14 points on the board. A late touchdown by former Spartan T.J. Duckett (his first as a Lion) put the final nails in the Bronco coffin. I remember wondering when the Lions had looked so good.  Â

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I know it’s too early to tell anything, and I shouldn’t even bring this up for fear of jinxing the Lions franchise, but there is no reason why the Lions can’t make the playoffs. If Kitna’s healthy and the big guys up front can stay fresh, then the Lions have a legitimate shot. The talent is there and the momentum is rolling. The defense, playing pretty well apart from two blowouts, seems to be getting better each week. They’re even scoring points. Its fun to watch the defense finally coming around, but watching the formation of this team is better. Whether it could be Marinelli or maybe just their new attitude, they’ve got something going here. With both sides playing to their abilities, the Lions can be the surprise team. They even have a player that has scored 1600 points. What’s not to love?

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There are a few key games that should prove to be a big test for Detroit. Actually, make that many key games. Next week the Lions face Arizona on the road. They stepped up and took a great one from the Bears last week at Soldier Field, but the other road games have proved difficult and caused many headaches. This is a must win for the Lions. If they can stay undefeated at home (4-0 so far!) against teams like the Cowboys and Green Bay on Thanksgiving, Kitna may have us eating our words. The Lions face some big away match-ups as well. Traveling to San Diego, Minnesota, then meeting the Packers again, this time in Green Bay for what may be Favre’s last regular season game, rounds up a tough schedule. With the Packers leading the NFC North and with Favre at the helm, they’re intimidating when they do that Lambeau leap. But Sunday’s game gave me a spark, a glimmer, a chance at hope. I feel the Lions have something to prove this year, and maybe a chilly December game in Cheese Country isn’t that scary after all.