Detroit Lions' Future Blindingly Bright After Turnaround Season Punctuated by SNF Win

The Lions knew they wouldn't make the playoffs when they took the field against the Packers. No, it didn't matter. Dan Campbell and his crew were focused on getting a victory and ruining their division rival's chances of making the playoffs.

The Lions walked into Lambeau Field, punched the Packers on the block and left as the better team. Two franchises are moving in opposite directions.

Detroit has several pieces already in place and more to come. The Packers are no longer a Super Bowl contender under Matt LaFleur. The Lions won eight of their final 10 games and finished with a winning record for the first time in two years.

Dan Campbell told reporters after the game that he didn't want to hear "Same old Lions" anymore. I wanted to help build a brand. We need to start dancing. The next step is that. We've gotten better. Next year we will be better.

Smoke and mirrors are not the way to turn around the situation.

Campbell mentioned at his introductory press conference that his team would bite a knee cap off. Take a second to remember the old-school symbolism of Campbell's quote.

This is what I know. This team is going to take on the identity of this city, which has been down, and find a way to get up. I think it's found a way to overcome adversity. This team is going to be built on and we are going to kick you in the teeth. We're going to smile at you when you hit us.

We are going to bite a knee cap off when you knock us down. Alright? It will take two more shots to knock us down. We're going to get up and it will take three shots to get us down. We're going to take another guy out of you when we do.

Campbell had a vision for his team. He wanted the Lions to not back down from anyone. They are who they are. Their head coach and his staff have been identified. It didn't hesitate to step on the Packers' throats when it had a chance.

The fire kept warm despite the 3-13 outcome. The team never gave up on Campbell despite the squad failing to make plays in key moments. Every week the roster played hard.

The results began to appear as the personnel evolved and others joined the current plans. The type of football that the Lions can use is what makes their future so bright.

The second half of the season was the best of the quarterback's career. Going into the final weekend of the season, his passer rating and touchdown-to-interception ratio were the best in the league.

He is a person who facilitates. The basis of his game is to distribute the ball. The Los Angeles Rams traded for Matthew Stafford in order to get the top pick in the draft. Ben Johnson's offense allows him to stand tall in the pocket and deliver without being constantly harassed.

Campbell said that his quarterback played well on Sunday. He's a great fit for what we do.

Five 300-plus-pound men are the heartbeat of the Lions. The offensive line is one of the best in the league. The group is powerful at the point of attack to open holes for the talented running back tandem of Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift.

Confidence is given by dominance up front. The coaches don't hesitate to call a pass on 4th-and- short with the game on the line because they know the protection will hold up. The running backs are able to run hard because they know lanes will show up.

Another individual who capitalized on playing in a group is Williams. His two rushing touchdown against the Packers gave him 17 on the season, which was the most by a Lion running back.

After this season, there needs to be decisions made on both of them. Even though he isn't the long-term answer behind center, the 28-year-old Goff is good enough to remain the starter until the Lions find an upgrade. Williams is a pending free agent after leading the league in rushing touchdown.

The top five offenses are exciting. The league's 32nd-ranked defense is a good starting point for how the Lions can improve and build upon their already fantastic core of talent.

The key pieces are Alim McNeill, James Houston, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Kerby Joseph. Okudah was a third-overall draft pick. The next few months will be used to upgrade the talent base through free-agent signings, trades and/or the draft.

Thanks to the Stafford trade, Detroit has two first-round picks. The Lions have the sixth overall pick. Significant talent upgrade can be added, particularly on defense, with the 18th pick.

They aren't a finished product.

The 12th overall pick was Jameson Williams. He had a tornACL in the College Football Playoff. Williams did not play until the 13th. Wait until he's fully recovered from his knee surgery. His speed will make a difference in the game.

There is more to come from the tight end position. Brock Wright could get a full season as the starter. The Detroit Pistons have an extra second-round pick to play with.

Detroit is on its way to being a force in the league. You read it correctly.

The Lions are not just a story of good fortune. The right way to build is with a strong foundation. Campbell's philosophy is being bought into by the team There are multiple draft picks in the front office. Everyone saw what the defense could do.

These Lions are brand new.

For Bleacher Report, Brent Sobleski covers the National Football League. Be sure to follow him on social media.