Detroit Lions: Matt Patricia warns his new players
The Patriot way continues to make its way into the Motor City as new Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia levies a stern warning to his players.
The Detroit Lions are not known for being a very media-friendly organization, keeping their plans fairly close to the vest. Now that they have added a Bill Belichick disciple to the fold in new head coach Matt Patricia, don’t expect any unnecessary chatter coming out of the Motor City and its players anytime soon.
The Patriots organization is notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to talking to the media. In fact, Belichick’s press conferences often result in glib, one-word answers. And that’s from the league’s top coaching mind! Clearly, Patricia has decided his new Lions need to follow suit.
In a recent interview, Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay was asked about the new regime in Detroit. His response should give fans a glimpse into just how much the Patriot way has made it’s way to the Motor City.
"” … I asked Darius Slay if we could switch gears from discussing the cornerback gathering to talk about the Lions under former Belichick coordinator Matt Patricia,” wrote Robert Klemko for SI.com. “His response, in a perfect southeast Georgia drawl: ‘Lawd Jesus, not the Lions. I ain’t fin to have Patricia calling me. He already done warned us man! They’re strict’.”"
Fearing repercussions, Slay flat-out refused to talk about the exciting new direction in Detroit. If that’s not reminiscent of the Patriots influence in the Motor City, I do not know what is. Patricia has clearly and effectively made his stance known to his new players about revealing too much to the media.
Every NFL team is required to give a certain level of access to the media. By doing so, it allows their fan base to feel more connected to their beloved franchise. But the Patriots have drawn a line in the sand when it comes to giving away too much information, fearing it could give their opponents an advantage.
By limiting the information about what takes place behind closed doors, in the locker room, and on the practice field; the New England Patriots believes it gives them an advantage on game day. And based on their recent history, it seems to be working. The Detroit Lions have adopted the same mentality. Now, the results have to justify that lack of communication and fan appeasement.
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Tell us what you think! Does the lack of information being leaked about the Lions’ new direction under Matt Patricia frustrate you? Or do you believe being tight-lipped and restricting any talk about their plans this upcoming season is simply good gamesmanship? Let us know in the comment section below.