Detroit Lions fans are buzzing with anticipation as their team heads into the NFC Divisional Playoff game. While the official uniform announcement is pending, all signs point towards the return of a fan-favorite combination: the Monolulu Blues, affectionately known as the “Blueberries.” This all-blue uniform set has become more than just an outfit; it’s a symbol of hope and a potential good luck charm for the Detroit Lions playoff journey.
For those following the Detroit Lions uniform narrative, the team’s superstitious tendencies are well-documented. This season, under new uniforms, the “Blueberries” have emerged as a consistent choice, especially for crucial games. Fans have seen glimpses of throwback teases, admired their sharp home uniforms worn sparingly, and noted their penchant for mono-below-the-neck looks. Apart from a single game featuring a blue jersey with silver-gray pants, the Lions have largely stuck to Monolulu blue, mono-white, or their black-on-black alternate uniforms.
Interestingly, the decisions on pants and socks often rest with the players themselves, finalized in the week leading up to the game. However, the “Blueberries” are seemingly in a category of their own. While focusing on this season’s uniform performances with the new designs, a deeper dive into the historical performance of the Lions in their all-blue uniforms reveals a fascinating trend, bordering on a superstition, and directly relevant to the upcoming playoff game and the discussion around Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Blueberries Uniforms, even though this game is post-season.
Let’s rewind to trace the Detroit Lions’ “Blueberries” history. The inaugural appearance of the all-blue uniform was in 2017. Unfortunately, this debut, and the subsequent appearance in 2018, both ended in losses.
Alt text: Detroit Lions players in “Blueberries” uniforms on the field during a game, showcasing the all-blue color scheme.
The 2019 season passed without any monoblue sightings. In 2020, the “Blueberries” resurfaced twice, and both instances added to the losing streak. The 2021 season was also “Blueberry”-free. By October 2022, when the Lions donned the all-blue again, they were carrying a five-game losing streak in this particular uniform combination.
Many teams might have shelved a uniform associated with such a streak, deeming it unlucky. However, the Detroit Lions, in a testament to resilience or perhaps stubbornness, opted for the “Blueberries” once more on December 4th against the Jaguars. This time, the tide turned. They won, finally breaking the losing curse of the “Blueberries.” They sported the combo again later in 2022, securing another victory, hinting at a potential shift in the uniform’s narrative.
By the end of 2022, after seven outings across six seasons, the Detroit Lions’ record in “Blueberries” stood at a modest 2 wins and 5 losses. Then came 2023, a year that redefined the “Blueberries” legacy.
The 2023 season marked a significant turning point for the Detroit Lions blueberries uniforms. They debuted the Monolulu look against the Atlanta Falcons on September 24th, and the Lions emerged victorious. This win wasn’t a one-off; it was the start of a remarkable streak. They wore the “Blueberries” again on October 8th, and won. And again, and again. Throughout the 2023 regular season, the Detroit Lions sported the all-blue combo five times, maintaining a perfect record. Extending into the playoffs, they chose the “Blueberries” for both home games, continuing their winning streak in this uniform to a stunning seven games in 2023 alone.
Alt text: A sideline view of Detroit Lions players in their “Blueberries” uniforms during a game, emphasizing the team’s unity in all-blue.
From an initial 0-5 record, the Detroit Lions catapulted to a nine-game winning streak in Monolulu blue, dating back to December 2022. This dramatic turnaround has solidified the “Blueberries” as a symbol of victory for the team and its fanbase.
It’s also important to note the introduction of new uniforms in recent times. While technically not the same as the older “Blueberries,” the Detroit Lions have maintained a flawless 5-0 record in the new iteration of the all-blue uniform.
Alt text: Close-up shot of Detroit Lions’ “Blueberries” uniforms, highlighting the design and color details of the new iteration.
Combining both streaks, the Detroit Lions boast an incredible 14 consecutive wins when dressed head-to-toe in silver/blue/blue/blue combinations, and a perfect record in the current “Blueberries.” This remarkable statistic fuels the anticipation for the upcoming playoff game.
Given this momentum, and the acknowledged superstitious nature within the team, it’s almost a certainty that the Detroit Lions will take the field in their “Blueberries” on Saturday night. Adding to the visual contrast, the Washington Commanders are expected to wear their burgundy/white/burgundy/burgundy combo, promising a game that might not be aesthetically pleasing in terms of clashing colors but could be very exciting in terms of gameplay.
As the number 1 seed, the Detroit Lions have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. If the “Blueberries” magic holds, they could potentially ride this wave of uniform superstition all the way to the Super Bowl. Interestingly, as this is an odd-numbered year, the NFC team is designated as the home team for the Super Bowl, opening the possibility for the Lions to even wear their lucky combo on the biggest stage in football, further connecting to the themes sometimes associated with Detroit Lions Thanksgiving blueberries uniforms due to the timing within the NFL season.
While uniforms themselves don’t guarantee victories, the psychological aspect of superstition in sports is undeniable. It’s hard to bet against a team when they, and their fans, believe in the power of their “Blueberries.”
Will the Detroit Lions continue their winning streak and potentially reach the Super Bowl, carried by the perceived good fortune of their Monolulu Blue “Blueberries” uniforms? It’s a question on every fan’s mind as they eagerly await the playoff game.
Guess the Game from the Scoreboard
Guess The Game…
…From The Scoreboard
Today’s scoreboard comes from T. Frank Hoover.
Alt text: A vintage baseball scoreboard displaying final scores and team names, part of a “Guess the Game” challenge.
Guess the Game from the Uniform
Based on the suggestion of long-time reader/contributor Jimmy Corcoran, we’ve introduced a new “game” on Uni Watch, which is similar to the popular “Guess the Game from the Scoreboard” (GTGFTS), only this one asked readers to identify the game based on the uniforms worn by teams.
Alt text: Football players in distinctive uniforms during a game, featured in a “Guess the Game from the Uniform” segment.
And finally…
…that’s going to do it for the morning lede.
Peace,
PH
(Word Count: Approximately 1200 words)
