Are the New York Giants this year's Lions?

There are parallels... with one question. Let us know who you think takes a Lions-like leap in 2024.

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Good morning, Go Long readers!

Hope everyone enjoys their final NFL-less weekend.

Let’s prepare our significant others accordingly and jam in as many chores as we can.

Over these last few years, we’ve spent a lot of time tracking the rise of the Detroit Lions. There were several moments on our trips to Detroit that you could tell Dan Campbell was building something special. It wasn’t showing up in the standings but from that bat-wielding offensive line (and Penei Sewell’s wild upbringing) to the very DNA of the Lions (and Tracy Walker explaining how bad it was with Matt Patricia) and players — like Alim McNeill — who’ll look in the mirror and demand change, brick by brick by brick, it became clear the Lions would win games.

Now, they’re everyone’s NFC Super Bowl darling.

Brad Holmes and Campbell knew they couldn’t reinvent the Lions overnight. When you don’t draft a quarterback in the top 5, it takes time.

Joe Schoen and Daboll faced the same challenge in East Rutherford, N.J.

This 2024 NFL season, there will undoubtedly be a team that shocks the football world. Maybe it’s a group like the Chicago Bears with No. 1 pick Caleb Williams. But the way players detailed the total reconstruction in Detroit is very similar to what we heard about these Giants. Schoen needed to fix this organization at its core.

Now, there’s elite pass rushers anchoring both defenses.

There’s elite offensive tackles. Playmaking WR1s. Depth.

A head coach who knows how to connect with players at a deep level.

Of course, the question with the Giants is at quarterback. Jared Goff might’ve been left for dead in Detroit in the eyes of most NFL observers — (raise your head if you really thought he’d still be the Lions QB when that trade went down) — but he did lead the Rams to the Super Bowl before. Daniel Jones’ career has been much more of a roller-coaster.

Now? This is the best team Jones has ever had around him.

Much like the Lions, these Giants are proof that rebuilding a team runs much deeper than most think.

Thanks to everyone who subscribed to Go Long this week to read our three-parter on the Giants explaining why they may make their move in 2024. All stories are linked below and accessible to paid subscribers.

Also, if you’re deep into the podcasting world, I joined a few Giants-centric shows to discuss. Here’s a chat with Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com, audio and video. Here’s another with my ‘ol Syracuse pal John Jastremski at “New York, New York.” And Ed Valentine’s Big Blue View show on YouTube will be posting over the weekend.

Is there a team you see making its Lions-like move in 2024?

Let us know in the comment section. Would love to hear what you think.

Thank You for making Go Long at GoLongTD.com your home for NFL longform this season.

Here is the full series:

Part I:

Part II:

Part III:

I’ll have two more NFL Season Preview features coming next week.

Links below in case you missed any so far:

• David Long Jr., and the beast within

• ‘Undeniable:’ Christian Kirk will attack this defining moment

• ‘We’ll get it done:’ The Buffalo Bills enter the great unknown at wide receiver

• Jordan Love will be an all-time great

• ‘All game long:’ Will Anderson Jr., The Terminator, is the Houston Texans' foundation

• ‘Let’s be bold:’ Inside Press Taylor’s office

• INTO THIN AIR, Part I: Why It’s (Nearly) Impossible to Win Three Straight Super Bowls (three parts)