Lions coach Jim Schwartz went through the radio gauntlet at the Super Bowl, Thursday, making as many a 10 stops to various outlets from around the country.In almost every interview, he was asked how close the Lions are to playing in the organization's first Super Bowl.
The team obviously took a huge step this season to that goal by winning 10 games for the first time since 1995 and making their first playoff appearance since 1999.
But, as Schwartz pointed out, there's a lot of variables that go into a Super Bowl run other than just having a talented team.
"Obviously, that's the goal for every coach and every player – win championships," he told the local media between radio interviews when asked the same question.
"Things are crazy in the NFL. Last year, if we don't beat Tampa on that overtime field goal, Green Bay doesn't make the (Super Bowl). Rather than winning a Super Bowl, they aren't even in the playoffs last year, so how close were they?
"If the Giants don't beat the Cowboys in Week 17, they aren't here. So, how close were they?"
"I think what we did this year was an important step, and you hear a lot of people say, ‘Great season' or 'good season,' and I don't know if I categorize it as either of those things. It was an important step for us to be in that mix."
The Lions have a corps of young players, led by quarterback
"Now the challenge for us is not only taking that step, but being able to continue it for a long time," Schwartz said. "I think we're built that way and we can do that."
But Schwartz wasn't about to make any bold predictions for next season. Anyone who knows Schwartz knows that's not his style.
The Lions will head into next season with high expectations, but Schwartz isn't one to get ahead of himself.
"I imagine if you go back in the training camp archives you're not hearing (Giants) coach (Tom) Coughlin talking about the Super Bowl in Indianapolis," he said. "He's probably talking about his next practice and what they need to get better at and the things they need to do.
"That's been my training and a big part of how you get here, the grind of the offseason program and the grind of training camp and the urgency of all those things, not so much worrying about this game, but the process. You do that, then you have a chance to be involved in it down the line."
