The 2011 Detroit Lions are now 5-0 after beating the Chicago Bears in convincing fashion. The first half was a bit shaky, but the Lions came out roaring in the second half and got a huge win against a division rival. As a proud Lions fan I can honestly say Detroit is for real and this could be the beginning of something very special.

This team week after week shows the heart, determination and skill the state of Michigan has been desperately seeking. The young talent is undeniable and there seems to be some great leadership as shown by the second half comebacks. This is an exciting time for us Lions fans as not to long ago the rumor of selling the franchise did not seem that unrealistic.

Calvin Johnson and Mathew Stafford are incredible talents that seem to just be getting better and better week in and week out. Jahvid Best had his best game of the season and maybe his career, and rejuvenated a running game that had been sorely lacking.

The defense was relentless and constantly put pressure on Jay Cutler almost every down. Matt Forte managed some big runs and a decent game statistically, but was really a non-factor in the second half and late in the game.

Cutler made some big throws and actually looked pretty decent with all that pressure coming his way, but all the hurry ups and knock downs were just too much to overcome. 

Devin Hester was not nearly as efficient in the kicking game as in weeks past and big thumbs up goes to the special teams unit for not letting him get loose and break off a game changing kick return. Hanson was solid as always and as me and my friend often joke, he sometimes feels like the MVP of the franchise.

If there is ever a town in need of something special like this Lions team it is Detroit. The decline of the auto industry has Detroit especially hard and population loss and an increased crime rate has only added to the trouble of rebuilding a once prominent American city.

The Detroit Lions offer a new hope and great sense of pride that cannot truly be expressed in words. The fan base is so incredible and to have endured the hardships of the last decades and still come out with such fire and intensity is truly remarkable.

This was not just a great win in the NFL from an up and coming football team, this was a great win for the city of Detroit and the State of Michigan. The economy is down and few states have been hit as hard as Michigan, but if for one night we can put all are problems aside, unite, and come together for a common cause, that should show the world what the State of Michigan is all about.

We have been some through tough times in the recent years, but if Monday night was an indication of how this great state can come together and prosper then I can only imagine the future of Michigan is just as bright as the future of the 2011 Detroit Lions.