The Detroit Lions have grown slowly into a legit Super Bowl threat, but not everyone is quite convinced that the same will continue. One NFL analyst has stated that the franchise could make a frustrating step backward.

Expectations are high as they enter the 2026 season, with many pointing to a Super Bowl-level squad. Still, analyst Terry Foster showed his concern that it is doubtful that the team will again make a comeback, observing their offseason changes.

"Now we're worried they going to finish eight and nine or nine and eight, which the old Lions always did," said Terry Foster on WoodwardSports. "They were like there, but they just couldn't get over the hump. And so that's the fear that we're going to see this year. They'll be right there, but not quite do it."

Foster's comments on WoodwardSports on YouTube showed a fear that is rooted in Detroit's history. Before HC Dan Campbell arrived, the Lions had lingered around .500, showing competitiveness without becoming a true winner.

Foster's concern is that even with recent success, the team could go back to that pattern if it fails to overcome the challenges of championship-level consistency.

The Detroit cornerback, Terrion Arnold, was released as he had legal issues. They don't have a strong pass rusher, and they are not confident about their QB, as per Foster. Still, the Lions have plenty of reasons to be positive.

Campbell has helped establish a winning culture where stars such as Jared Goff, Aidan Hutchinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell are the key pillars of the franchise. The Lions are no longer seen as underdogs but expected to compete deep.

The franchise looked destined for history in 2024, storming to a franchise-best 15-2 record and the NFC's No. 1 seed. But the dream of lifting their first-ever Lombardi Trophy slipped away in the postseason.

Last year, despite finishing 9-8 in 2025, the Lions failed to make the playoffs in the ultra-competitive NFC North, ending up at the bottom of the division.

Now, looking at 2026, along with Foster, another analyst has made a bold prediction about Penei Sewell, who is already building a strong resume.

'Penei Sewell will be one of the best Lions ever,' predicts NFL analyst

Sean Baligian admired Penei Sewell, the All-Pro right tackle who has become the cornerstone of Detroit's offensive line since he was selected seventh overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

"Penei Sewell, when it's all done, will be one of the best Detroit Lions ever. Like Barry, Calvin, etc," said analyst Sean Baligian on the same Woodwards Sports YouTube channel.

Sewell's pass protection and dominant run blocking have assisted in creating one of the most dynamic offenses, giving QB Goff time in the pocket while opening running lanes for Gibbs and David Montgomery.

The 25-year-old is already regarded as one of the NFL's elite offensive linemen, which makes Baligian's prediction more realistic if he continues at the same level.

What are your views on the Detroit Lions roster this season? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote