The Detroit Lions aren’t just winning—they’re rewriting history. After defeating their Week 10 opponent, the Lions improved to a stunning 9-1 record, the best 10-game start in franchise history since 1934, the very year the team moved to Detroit from Portsmouth. The milestone, confirmed by official team reporter Tim Twentyman in his Week 11 observations published on detroitlions.com on November 19, 2023, isn’t just a number—it’s a seismic shift for a franchise that spent decades in the NFL’s shadows.
A Franchise Reborn
For decades, the Lions were synonymous with near-misses and heartbreaking losses. Their last playoff win? 1991. Their last division title? 2011. But this season? Something’s different. The 9-1 record isn’t a fluke. It’s the product of disciplined coaching, improved offensive execution, and a defense that’s suddenly intimidating. And it’s all happening under Head Coach Dan Campbell, whose gritty, no-excuses philosophy has reshaped the locker room culture. The team’s leadership—Principal Owner Sheila C. Ford Hamp and President and CEO Rod Wood—has backed that vision with smart personnel moves, including the acquisition of key free agents and a surprisingly effective draft class.
Twentyman’s Eye for Detail
Tim Twentyman, the Lions’ longtime insider, didn’t just report the record—he dissected how it happened. In his signature "Twentyman in the Huddle" series, he traced the team’s rise back to training camp in Allen Park, Michigan. There, he flagged Raymond as "someone to watch closely." And he was right. During joint practices with the Houston Texans, Raymond caught multiple touchdown passes from quarterback Matthew Stafford Goff, including a back-of-the-end-zone grab that showcased his timing and body control. That wasn’t a fluke. Raymond’s confidence grew with every rep, and by the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on August 26, 2023, he was a fixture in the offense.
But Raymond wasn’t the only breakout. Twentyman coined the "Hutch rule"—a tongue-in-cheek term for when Aidan Hutchinson beats his blocker and would’ve had a sack, but the play continues because no whistle blows. It’s a nod to Hutchinson’s relentless edge rush, which has translated into 8.5 sacks through Week 10. That kind of pressure forces quarterbacks into bad decisions, and the Lions’ secondary has capitalized. The defense? It’s not just good—it’s elite.
The Eagles Loom
But the moment of celebration was brief. Twentyman’s analysis immediately pivoted to what came next: a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2023. The Eagles, 8-2 at the time, were a mirror image of the Lions: balanced, physical, and dangerous. The matchup wasn’t just another game—it was a true test of legitimacy. Could the Lions beat a top-tier team on the road? Or was their record built on an easier schedule?
The answer mattered. A win would make them the first Lions team since 1953 to be 10-1. A loss? It wouldn’t erase the progress, but it would remind everyone how fragile momentum can be in the NFL.
Why This Matters Beyond Detroit
This isn’t just a feel-good story for Lions fans. It’s a blueprint for rebuilding. The Lions didn’t get here by spending $200 million in free agency. They got here by developing young talent, trusting their coaching staff, and building a culture that rewards effort over flash. Compare that to teams like the Chicago Bears or Cleveland Browns—franchises still searching for identity. The Lions showed that consistency, not chaos, wins.
And it’s not just about wins. Attendance at Ford Field is up 18% from last year. Merchandise sales are soaring. Local radio stations are running 24/7 Lions coverage. For the first time in decades, Detroit feels like a football town again.
What’s Next?
The Lions’ next three games—Eagles, Vikings, and Browns—will define their season. If they win two of those, they’ll be in firm control of the NFC North. A 12-5 finish? That’s not just playoff territory—it’s a potential home-field advantage. And with Matthew Stafford Goff playing the best football of his career, the offense has a new identity: efficient, explosive, and unflappable.
As Twentyman put it in his YouTube recap: "This team doesn’t just believe they can win. They expect it. And that’s the scariest thing for the rest of the league."
Historical Context: The 1934 Parallel
The 1934 reference isn’t just a throwback—it’s loaded with meaning. That year, the Portsmouth Spartans relocated to Detroit and became the Lions, playing their first home game at the University of Detroit Stadium. They finished 10-2, won the NFL Championship, and sparked a golden era. The team was led by Hall of Fame halfback Dutch Clark. But the glory faded after the 1950s. For nearly 90 years, the Lions chased that same magic. Now, in 2023, they’re closer than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this 9-1 start compare to other NFL teams in recent history?
Only six teams since 2000 have started 9-1 or better. The 2011 New England Patriots and 2019 Kansas City Chiefs both went on to win the Super Bowl. The 2020 Buffalo Bills, also 9-1, lost in the AFC Championship. The Lions’ pace is historically elite, but their path is uncharted—they’ve never won a playoff game since 1991, making this season a true test of resilience.
Who is Raymond, and why is he suddenly important?
Raymond, full name Jameson Raymond, was a sixth-round pick in 2022 who spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad. Through joint practices and preseason, he showed elite route-running and hands. By Week 10, he’d caught 28 passes for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns. He’s become Matthew Stafford Goff’s most reliable target in the red zone, surpassing veteran Marvin Jones in critical situations.
What’s the "Hutch rule," and why does it matter?
The "Hutch rule" is a tongue-in-cheek term coined by reporter Tim Twentyman to describe when Aidan Hutchinson beats his blocker and would’ve sacked the quarterback, but the play continues because the whistle doesn’t blow. It highlights his relentless pressure—Hutchinson has 8.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hits, forcing offenses to double-team him, which opens lanes for linebackers like Derrick Barnes.
How has the coaching staff contributed to this turnaround?
Head Coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have simplified the playbook, focusing on execution over complexity. The defense, led by coordinator Aaron Glenn, shifted to a more aggressive, single-high safety scheme that has limited big plays. Campbell’s emphasis on accountability and mental toughness has turned former bench players into starters, and the team’s turnover margin (+11) is the best in the NFC.
Is this the Lions’ best team ever?
Statistically, yes—this team has the best record through 10 games since 1934, the best point differential since 1954, and the highest offensive efficiency since the 1991 team. But legacy isn’t just about wins. The 1953 Lions won the NFL Championship. The 2023 team hasn’t won a playoff game yet. So while this is the best regular-season team in modern history, the ultimate judgment will come in January.
What’s the significance of Tim Twentyman’s reporting?
Twentyman isn’t just a beat writer—he’s the team’s narrative architect. His training camp observations, YouTube breakdowns, and insider quotes have shaped how fans understand the team’s progress. He’s the reason fans know about Raymond’s development or Hutchinson’s "rule." His work bridges the gap between locker room reality and public perception, making him as vital to the team’s identity as the players.
