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That was enjoyable. What shall we do next?
The Detroit Lions snagged our attention with an impressive season in 2023 and maintained it until things ventured, um, slightly off course on Saturday night.
What now?
You envision a victory last weekend, then another victory this upcoming weekend, followed by the Super Bowl on Feb. 9 and a parade, keeping us engrossed almost until mid-February. After that is Valentine’s Day, a time when we attempt to compensate for half a year of concentrating on the next game rather than the individual next to us.
By that time, we’re nearly done with the worst of winter. Great planning − except it turns out the Washington Commanders and their supporters had a similar thought.
So, what’s the plan now?
At least for the short term, Alix Burden knows exactly what he’ll be doing: responding to a single inquiry time and again from patrons at Rally House in Livonia.
At 25, hailing from Wayne, he manages the sports merchandise outlet and adores his job and teams. I had dropped by for some holiday shopping in mid-December, then returned in early January to relish the enjoyment of a communal experience, whether it’s casually or passionately resonating about the same subject as the individual at the next gas station or the lady in the same checkout line.
On Sunday afternoon, I popped in once more. Two or three other consumers wandered through the store, quietly. None of them were in the expansive front area dedicated to the Lions — hoodies, sweatshirts, T-shirts, caps, wall art, and dog bandanas.
Customers had been scarce all day, Burden explained, and “Everyone’s been making the same joke. ‘Is the Lions merchandise half off? Is the Lions merchandise on sale?’ “
In case you were contemplating asking next, no.
Insights from a running back
Let me clarify, we’re discussing the conclusion of the Detroit Lions‘ season, not the end of the world.
A Super Bowl appearance would have been incredibly exciting, and a championship parade would have cleared out southeast Michigan, but as noted by Dallas Cowboys running back Duane Thomas before his squad captured the title in 1971, “If it’s the ultimate (game), how come they’re playing it again next year?”
Nonetheless, losing is painful. No more excitement, no more distractions, no more opportunities to override the stern gazes from all the cardiologists and seize two more pregame trips to Chicken Shack.
“The higher the expectation, and the more certain it seems,” remarked clinical psychologist Randy Bruce, “the greater the sense of loss and shock, which many individuals experience.”
Bruce, a city council member in Farmington Hills, primarily assists individuals recovering from brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or severe illnesses. Like Duane Thomas, his priorities are sound.
However, being personally unsettled by 53 large individuals’ failure to overcome the large individuals from Washington, he expressed, is both understandable and can be overcome.
“It is crucial to redirect focus onto something else positive, and also converse with others to aid processing the emotion of loss and disappointment, thereby enabling one to contextualize it properly,” he advised.
Consider positive aspects of your life, he suggested. Arrange a holiday, or dinner with companions. Perhaps chase an exhilarating opportunity.
That’s what Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson opted for; it seems he will be the next head coach of the Chicago Bears. Likewise, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is likely to seek out new prospects as well.
Alright, those may not present the best examples. Nevertheless, discovering a glimpse of joy or thrill “assists in propelling us forward and leaving this behind,” Bruce stated.
Just don’t dwell on the past.
Discounting, looking forward
At Rally House, the Lions’ defeat could be your advantage. Not the defeat against the Commanders, but the loss of a player, should someone be traded.
That’s when a jersey gets discounted. As for T-shirts, the time is running out for those commemorating Detroit’s NFC North championship.
“Any of the dated merchandise,” Burden elaborated. But a sweatshirt that reads “Defend the Den,” or a “United As Lions” tee?
Perhaps they aren’t everlasting, but they aren’t disposable yet.
“We’re going to return next year,” Burden anticipated. “Bite some more kneecaps. Take our shot.”
And if that feels too far down the bleak, icy path, consider this:
Opening Day is April 4, just a little over 10 weeks away.
Reach Neal Rubin at [email protected].
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