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The 2018 Detroit Lions: A new dawning for the Motor City

By Brian Wallace

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 07: New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia reacts on the sideline during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on September 7, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 07: New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia reacts on the sideline during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on September 7, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions are banking on defensive guru, Matt Patricia, to raise the bar of expectations in the Motor City.

Matt Patricia has been hired by Detroit Lions, formerly a defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, as their next head coach. There is hope he can propel the team in an upward trajectory. The Lions, and their fans will find out if the move is sizzle or fizzle.

There have been many assistant coaches and coordinators hired over the years by different NFL teams, including the Detroit Lions, as a head coach. Some have failed. Some, not too bad. Others in epic fashion.

The Lions for the first time in a long time have hired a big name, big time coordinator, and tabbed Matt Patricia as “THE GUY.” There is going to be pressure to win immediately. As the Lions front office feels they are close to being competitive year in and year out.

In my opinion, this is Lions general manager Bob Quinn, saying “I’m going to bring a championship to Detroit come hell or high water.” This is his vision. His guy. He’s staking both of their futures with this move.

For a young GM, Quinn is taking a tremendous shot. Should he hit the bulls-eye, praise from fans, the front office, and the owner will be heaped on him. If he doesn’t, Quinn may end up being a scapegoat. An all to familiar scene for Detroit Lions fans as he’d become just another name come and gone.

This feels like a different hire. A hire unlike Detroit, the Lions, the fans, have ever seen. I don’t think that’s an understatement. Matt Patricia comes with a sparkling resume. He learned from a great coach long time Patriots head man Bill Belichick. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see it.

Next: Detroit Lions head coaches - From ordinary to catastrophe

Suddenly, for the Detroit Lions, this offseason is huge. A new head coach and his staff will need time to prepare. Early March will see the NFL Scouting Combine, free agency and April’s NFL draft gear up. Following free agency, we should have a clearer picture where the team is headed and what schemes they will run. Perhaps gain some insight as to who is targeted in April’s draft.

Get ready Detroit Lions’ fans! The 2018 offseason is upon us. And a new dawning for the Motor City.

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