The Detroit Lions can only succeed when they embrace being underdogs. They’re not a team that thrives on preseason hype or lofty Super Bowl predictions; it’s just not in their DNA. For Detroit to truly shine, they need to face adversity, doubt, and skepticism—it fuels them.

Right now, the Lions might benefit from another loss. That setback could remind them of their underdog status, reignite their hunger, and push them to prove the doubters wrong. This team has the talent to go all the way, and so does quarterback Jared Goff. However, the recent praise and chants from fans may have softened his edge.

His performance in the last two games hasn’t met expectations, and it shows. Just this past game, the Lions were one for seven in the Red Zone—a stat that’s far from championship-caliber.

Lions fans shouldn’t panic, though. A loss or two could serve as the perfect wake-up call for the team. It might be just what they need to regain focus and channel that classic Detroit grit.

As political strategist James Carville said to Democrats on election night in 2020, the message for Lions fans is similar: Put away the worry and fear; things will work out.

Sunday’s game was a stark reminder of the challenges in the NFL. No team is invincible, no matter how talented they may be.

The league is fiercely competitive, and even top teams can fall. Look at the Dallas Cowboys, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Los Angeles Rams—strong teams, but they all took crushing losses this past weekend.

For the Lions, the lesson is clear: it’s time to stop basking in the praise and get back to playing like the gritty, hungry underdog team they are. Only then will they be capable of making a serious run for the championship.