ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions' season came to a disappointing close on Sunday as they finished with a 9-8 record, missing the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2021 and falling short of the high expectations set for Dan Campbell's squad entering the year.
The Lions wrapped up their campaign with a gritty 19-16 road victory over the NFC North champion Chicago Bears, a game that offered a glimpse of the potential that had tantalized fans throughout an inconsistent year. Despite the win, Detroit's elimination from postseason contention had already been sealed by a three-game losing streak in December, dropping them to fourth place in the division they had dominated as two-time defending champions.
"We fell short this year," Campbell said Monday during a press conference at the team's Allen Park facility. "We all acknowledge that." The head coach did not mince words when evaluating his own performance, assigning himself the harshest critique possible. "I give myself a freakin’ F," he added, taking full responsibility for the team's uneven play.
Detroit's season started with promise, as they routed the Bears 52-21 in Week 2 and followed with three straight games scoring 34 or more points, pushing their record to 4-1 and reinforcing preseason buzz that positioned them as Super Bowl contenders. However, the Lions struggled to maintain that momentum, particularly against playoff-caliber opponents, going just 2-5 in those matchups. Their inability to play complementary football—where the offense, defense, and special teams all clicked together—proved costly in the biggest moments.
Two-time All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown echoed the sentiment of collective underachievement after the finale. "It hurts, but we didn’t do enough," he said. "We didn’t make enough plays. We don’t deserve to be in the playoffs." St. Brown's frustration was palpable, reflecting a locker room that recognized its talent but lamented the execution.
Despite the disappointments, there were bright spots that underscore the Lions' long-term viability. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, returning from a broken leg suffered the previous year, notched 14 1/2 sacks—falling just one short of Robert Porcher's franchise record of 15 set in 1999. Early in the season, Detroit locked Hutchinson into a four-year, $180 million extension, a move that looks increasingly savvy given his disruptive presence on the line.
On offense, the Lions boast a dynamic core of playmakers. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs exploded for 1,223 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, contributing to a combined total of 1,839 yards from scrimmage and 18 scores overall. St. Brown hauled in 117 receptions for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns, while speedy wideout Jameson Williams set personal bests with 65 catches, 1,117 receiving yards, and seven touchdown grabs—matching his prior high.
The victory over Chicago, even in a meaningless game, highlighted the team's resilience. With playoff hopes dashed, the Lions traveled to Soldier Field and battled fiercely, sweeping the season series against their divisional rivals. Campbell praised his players' effort postgame in the locker room, noting their commitment. "To have guys lay it on the line when you say you’re not playing for anything, that speaks volumes," he told the team. "To do what you guys did, takes a certain kind of pride and respect for the guy next to you."
Looking back, Detroit's 9-8 mark continues a remarkable turnaround under Campbell, marking the franchise's fourth straight winning season—the first such streak since 1969-1972. Last year, they set a club record with 15 victories, but this season's regression exposed vulnerabilities, particularly along the offensive line. Once considered one of the league's elite units, it faltered in protecting quarterback Jared Goff during drop-backs and creating running lanes, contributing to the midseason shift where Campbell assumed play-calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton.
The offseason looms large with key decisions ahead. Retaining or replacing Morton will be a priority, as the team evaluates its coaching staff. In free agency and with the No. 17 overall draft pick, bolstering the offensive line is imperative to restore that group's dominance.
Left tackle Taylor Decker, who battled a shoulder injury throughout the year, faces a pivotal choice about his future. The veteran, entering his potential 11th NFL season, plans to take time before deciding on retirement. "I want to make this decision moving forward informed," Decker said. "I don’t want to make it emotionally because if I make it emotionally, I already know what the answer is going to be."
The Lions are also reflecting on lessons from the retirement of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow in June, which left them scrambling at the position. That move highlighted the need for better depth and planning along the trenches.
Contract situations for several young stars add another layer of complexity. Tight end Sam LaPorta, limited to nine games before undergoing back surgery, isn't anticipating extension talks this offseason. The 24-year-old emphasized recovery first: "How are they going to extend me if I can’t play football right now? I’ve got to get healthy." LaPorta is expected to return by training camp.
Safety Brian Branch, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon requiring surgery, faces a longer rehabilitation timeline. Meanwhile, running back Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell, and others approach potential free agency in 2028, prompting discussions on long-term commitments. Branch and LaPorta are in the final years of their rookie deals, making their recoveries and performances crucial for future negotiations.
As the Lions head into the offseason, the focus will be on addressing these gaps while building on the pride and talent that Campbell has instilled. Though the 2025 season didn't deliver playoff glory, the foundation remains solid, setting the stage for another push in 2026. For now, the sting of missing the postseason serves as motivation in a franchise that's rewritten its narrative over the past four years.