Detroit Lions: Defensive success predicated on their ability to adapt

The Detroit Lions did little to improve their defense personnel-wise this offseason. Instead, they are placing their hope in a new defensive scheme.

This offseason, the Detroit Lions seemed very dedicated to improving their team on the offensive side of the ball. The Lions added big names like Super Bowl-winning running back LeGarrette Blount in free agency and used their two highest draft picks on Arkansas center Frank Ragnow and Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson.

On defense, the Lions biggest addition was new head coach Matt Patricia. Coming off his third Super Bowl appearance since taking over as defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in 2012, Patricia’s presence in Detroit figures to have improved the Motor City’s defense the moment he walked through the door.

Considered to be a defensive genius, Patricia’s scheme thrives on versatility. And its success is predicated on having players with positional-flex, who can understand their role in multiple systems and have the ability to adapt quickly.

After studying the Patriots for the past four years, even new Lions’ free agent linebacker Devon Kennard admitted he never really understood what Patricia was doing defensively in New England. Kennard is certainly learning all about it now.

The Lions currently possess the mind and the playbook behind much of the Patriots’ defensive success. As ESPN’s Michael Rothstein recently pointed out, the onus is now on Detroit’s defensive players to adapt and learn that complicated scheme as quickly as possible.

"“The answer to this will become more apparent throughout the season, but after being primarily a 4-3 team for years, how can many of Detroit’s players handle learning a new multiple system on a week-to-week basis? They’ve practiced multiple looks in the spring and figure only to enhance that during training camp. That said, until the Lions really show they can handle it every week, it will be a big-time question.”"

Learning the heavy playbook is one thing. Applying what they’ve learned on the field is quite another. Do the Lions have the talent, both mental and physical, to learn this versatile scheme as well as be able to apply that knowledge on the field?

Having former Patriots like linebackers Jonathan Freeny and Trevor Bates on the roster should act as on-field coaches to try and help get other defenders up to speed. At the end of the day, having a Super Bowl winning defensive scheme is great. But you need players who can implement that scheme.

In New England, Patricia benefited from a veteran group of players handpicked by legendary head coach Bill Belichick. Now at the helm of his own team for the very first time on any level, the 43-year old coordinator finds himself with a mix of steady veterans and several new faces in Motown.

For the Lions, this offseason has been about keeping their base of core stars intact. Then, finding other pieces either through free agency or the draft that Patricia and company believe could work best within his scheme.

With training camp kicking off this Friday at Allen Park, class will be in session for this year’s version of the Detroit Lions defense. And like never before, their ability to learn in the classroom and apply that knowledge on the field will be tested. How well they are able to adapt will likely determine this team’s fate in 2018.