The Detroit Lions didn't have the easiest season in 2024, and that was due mostly to the fact that the roster was under constant fire due to injuries.
On defense, the Lions sustained losses from Week 1 through the divisional playoff game. There was no rest for the weary, as backups as well as third-string and practice-squad players were forced into battle. That helped to make next man up more than just a slogan in Detroit.
The situation was a test for the players, coaches and front office. Brad Holmes sees the value in what the Lions went through, especially now that the franchise has come out the other side. As he told Mike Florio of NBC Sports, the situation helped the Lions walk the walk in terms of proving their toughness.
"I always thought that what we went through is kind of what we've been about from Day 1. What me and Dan (Campbell) said that we're going to be about. A team that's going to be built on grit and just looking adversity in the eye," said Holmes. "Because we know it's going to come. It came hard (in 2024), but what our approach has been from Day 1, I thought our locker room was equipped to handle it. Next man up is kind of a cliche term a little bit, but a lot goes into next man up."
RELATED:Dan Campbell expects Jared Goff to take even more control of the Lions' offense
Every team deals with injuries, but it's extremely unlikely the Lions will have the bad luck they had in 2024 again. The Lions survived a historic onslaught and came out stronger. When Detroit faces a few injuries or other troubles in 2025, they will have the confidence embedded to push on given what they have already faced.
Brad Holmes grateful for Detroit Lions' early struggles at start of tenure
For Detroit, the path to the top hasn't been easy. Not only have they dealt with injury troubles, but the first year Holmes and Campbell were in town was rougher sailing in terms of roster construction than it is now. The Lions had a losing record in 2021, and then struggled for half of the 2022 season before getting hot down the stretch and rounding into form for 2023.
Holmes never lacked optimism, even from the start of his tenure when the situation was dire in Detroit. Coming through the tough times then only helped mold them into the winners they have become.
"I was probably a little bit naive of how dark it was going to be early on. I probably had too much optimism even in the first year. (At) 3-13-1, it got pretty dark. I think we actually needed that and that was part of who we are and what made us who we are in terms of going through all that adversity. Look, job's not done yet, but happy where it's gone so far."
No matter whether the Lions face injuries, inconsistency, or a poor record, the franchise hasn't stopped fighting and has held true to their principles. As Holmes knows, that is worth its weight in gold for everyone in the building.