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Removal of playoff banners signals loftier Lions goals

The Detroit Lions made the playoffs last season for the second time in three years and for the 12th time in the modern era of the NFL. In previous years, that accomplishment would have been signified along with the other 11 playoff appearances on Detroit's playoff banners hanging over Ford Field.

The only problem is those banners no longer hang above Ford Field.

View photos of the new Ford Field construction tour led by Detroit Lions president Rod Wood.

Lions team president Rod Wood, in agreement with general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Jim Caldwell, have taken down the banners as the organization finishes up their $100 million in renovations to Ford Field.

"We took them down as part of the renovation and I just think I'd rather celebrate the next division win and not put them back up," Wood said Wednesday, as he guided members of the media through the renovated Ford Field.

"Collectively, we discussed it internally. Jim (Caldwell) and Bob (Quinn) are on board with that."

The move signifies that expectations within the Lions organization are much greater nowadays than just making the playoffs.

Quinn, who took over as Lions general manager following the 2015 season, spent the previous 16 years in the New England Patriots organization. Since 2000, Quinn's first year with New England, the Patriots won six AFC Championships, 13 AFC East titles, 12-plus games in a season 10 times and 10-plus games in 14 of his 16 seasons.

Quinn is used to high expectations.

The Lions had a chance to win their first division title since 1991 in the final week of the regular season last year, but dropped a 31-24 contest at Ford Field against the Green Bay Packers. Detroit will host the Packers again this season in Week 17.

"I certainly am setting my sights on winning divisions (titles) and championships and not just making the playoffs," Wood said.

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