Lions' BPONE Dissipating; Packers' Kneecaps Sore

I can barely remember my first game as a Lions fan.  It was at Tiger Stadium.  I believe Dick Butkus kicked our ass.

The ass-kickings continued for many years by the Packers and their Hall of Fame quarterbacks.  The Purple People Eaters from Minnesota took their turns punishing Lions fans.  And the Bears physically beat us up on their way doing the Superbowl Shuffle.

Last night it was the Lions' turn.  Our defensive front had their way with the Packers' OL.  The Pack didn't get a first down until we jumped offside on 3rd down and gave them one well into the 2nd quarter.  We were up 27-3 at the half and they wouldn't have had 3 if we hadn't given them a pick on the first series.  It may have happened, but I can't remember an opposing coach, especially within our division, looking as beaten down as the Packers' Matt LaFleur did last night.

This is not the Same Old Lions.  We're going to win the NFC North for the first time ever this year.  For the first time in my lifetime, I'm cautiously optimistic that it is emotionally safe to be a Lions fan.

Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes deserve a bunch of the credit.  Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn as well.  Even Shelia Ford Hamp gets some.  It looks like this is going to be a great year to be a Michigan / Detroit football fan.