As the 2024 NFL season winds down and the postseason looms, there’s no denying that the Detroit Lions have emerged as one of the most exciting teams in the league. A franchise often mired in mediocrity, the Lions have turned a new page under head coach Dan Campbell, and their success has been reflected in the recognition of several players who’ve elevated their games to new heights. Among the most prominent names is quarterback **Jared Goff**, who has been named as one of four Detroit Lions finalists for major NFL awards in 2024, a stunning achievement for both the player and the franchise.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the significance of Goff’s inclusion among the finalists, break down the impressive performances of the four Lions, and explore what it means for the future of Detroit’s rebuild as they set their sights on further success in the coming years.
### **The Detroit Lions’ Resurgence in 2024**
Over the past few seasons, the Detroit Lions have slowly but surely been climbing out of the basement of the NFC North. With the hire of Dan Campbell in 2021, the team entered a new era of football. While the Lions’ first two years under Campbell showed promise, it wasn’t until 2024 that they truly began to capitalize on their potential. With a potent offense and a much-improved defense, the Lions have positioned themselves as playoff contenders, a feat not accomplished by the franchise in years.
The most visible and perhaps most exciting aspect of the Lions’ resurgence has been their offensive firepower. Under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the team has found its rhythm, blending a potent passing attack with a well-balanced running game. The offense is dynamic, and at the helm of it is quarterback **Jared Goff**, who has arguably played the best football of his career.
But Goff is not alone in the spotlight. The Lions’ success is a team effort, and the 2024 awards season has seen several of their players earn recognition. For the first time in decades, four Lions players have been named finalists for major NFL awards—an achievement that speaks volumes about the talent this team has amassed and the direction they’re headed in.
### **Jared Goff: MVP and Comeback Player of the Year Finalist**
As one of the finalists for **NFL MVP** and **Comeback Player of the Year**, **Jared Goff** has firmly cemented himself as one of the league’s most elite quarterbacks. Goff, who was traded to the Lions in 2021 from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Matthew Stafford, was seen by some as a bridge quarterback—someone who could hold the fort until Detroit found its next long-term solution. Fast forward to 2024, and Goff has proved all the doubters wrong with an incredible season that has placed him in the MVP conversation.
**Jared Goff’s 2024 Campaign:**
Goff’s 2024 performance has been nothing short of spectacular. He finished the regular season with a career-high 4,600 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. What’s most impressive about Goff’s numbers is his ability to take command of the offense, spreading the ball to a deep group of playmakers, including star wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, as well as his chemistry with running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the passing game. His ability to make pinpoint throws downfield, along with his improved decision-making, has been a driving force behind the Lions’ offensive success.
But it’s not just about the stats—Goff has also shown tremendous resilience, particularly given the early struggles of his career with the Rams. After being traded to Detroit, Goff had to adjust to a new system, a new city, and a new set of expectations. In 2024, however, he embraced his role as the leader of the Lions and demonstrated growth both on and off the field. His calm, collected demeanor and poise under pressure were key factors in Detroit’s rise, and his ability to engineer game-winning drives in crucial moments has made him a fan favorite.
### **Other Lions Finalists: Defensive and Offensive Dominance**
While Goff may be the headliner, he’s far from the only Lion receiving recognition for their standout 2024 performances. The Lions’ success has been a team effort, with several key players earning spots as finalists for individual awards. Let’s take a look at the other three Lions who are up for major honors.
#### **Aidan Hutchinson: Defensive Player of the Year Finalist**
One of the most exciting young players in the NFL, **Aidan Hutchinson** has lived up to the hype in 2024. The 2022 No. 2 overall pick quickly made an impact during his rookie season, but in 2024, Hutchinson has taken his game to another level. The edge rusher out of Michigan has been a dominant force on the Lions’ defense, terrorizing quarterbacks and wreaking havoc in the backfield.
Hutchinson finished the regular season with 16 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and numerous quarterback pressures. His relentless motor and ability to change the course of a game with a big play have made him a frontrunner for **Defensive Player of the Year**. Hutchinson’s ability to be disruptive at all times has turned him into one of the league’s most feared pass rushers, and he’s a key part of Detroit’s defensive turnaround. His development as a cornerstone piece of the Lions’ defense makes him a player to watch for years to come.
#### **Amon-Ra St. Brown: Offensive Player of the Year Finalist**
If Jared Goff has been a key to the Lions’ offensive success, then **Amon-Ra St. Brown** has been his favorite target. St. Brown, who entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick, has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the league. In 2024, he earned a spot as a finalist for **Offensive Player of the Year**, and for good reason.
St. Brown finished the regular season with 115 receptions, 1,400 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He’s become Goff’s go-to receiver in crucial situations, whether it’s a third-down conversion, a deep ball, or a crucial touchdown. St. Brown’s route running, hands, and ability to create separation have made him one of the most difficult receivers to defend in the NFL. His chemistry with Goff is undeniable, and his explosive playmaking ability has been a major reason for Detroit’s success in 2024.
#### **Jahmyr Gibbs: Offensive Rookie of the Year Finalist**
Finally, **Jahmyr Gibbs** has been one of the most exciting rookies in the league this season, earning a spot as a finalist for **Offensive Rookie of the Year**. The running back, drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has brought an added dimension to the Lions’ offense with his unique blend of speed, vision, and pass-catching ability. Although he wasn’t the sole focal point of Detroit’s rushing attack—thanks to the presence of veteran David Montgomery—Gibbs’ versatility has made him a dynamic weapon in both the ground and passing games.
Gibbs finished the season with over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dangerous young talents in the NFL. His ability to stretch the field, make defenders miss in open space, and contribute in the passing game has made him a true all-around threat and a major asset to Detroit’s high-flying offense.
### **What Does This Mean for the Lions’ Future?**
The fact that **Jared Goff**, **Aidan Hutchinson**, **Amon-Ra St. Brown**, and **Jahmyr Gibbs** are all finalists for major 2024 NFL awards is a testament to how far the Lions have come in a short amount of time. From a franchise long mired in mediocrity to a team with multiple stars earning national recognition, Detroit is positioning itself as a true contender for years to come.
The future of the Lions looks bright, with a mix of proven veterans and young, rising stars. Goff, in particular, is proving that he can still play at an elite level, and with a strong supporting cast around him, the Lions could be a Super Bowl contender in the near future. With players like Hutchinson, St. Brown, and Gibbs all playing at an elite level, Detroit fans can finally start to dream of sustained success—and the 2024 NFL awards season is just the beginning.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Lions have the pieces in place to continue their rise, and the accolades earned by these four players will undoubtedly serve as motivation for the team to continue to build upon their success. The 2024 season was just the first taste of what could be a thrilling new era of Detroit Lions football.