Detroit Lions: What will we learn about the defense Friday night?

This leads us back to what we can expect from the Lions defense this year, starting with tomorrow night. Since the big ‘addition’ to the defense was Matt Patricia, it is expected that he will turn this unit around pretty much on his own.

With multiple looks ranging from a 4-3 to a 3-4 front and many sub-packages that will incorporate extra defensive backs in a variety of ways, there is much to anticipate seeing. The problem is that we won’t really get to see it until Monday night September 10th when the New York Jets invade Ford Field for the Lions regular season opener.

So what will we see tomorrow night from Patricia’s defense?

Don’t be surprised if they do show some 3-4 and 4-3 fronts just to give the Lions competition in the front seven opportunities to show some versatility in the battle for roster spots. But basically, it will be the standard ‘vanilla’ defense all teams play in the exhibition season.

Matt Patricia isn’t going to give away anything pertinent in meaningless games, but he does want to fill out his roster, especially on defense, with versatile players. Which means they will need to be given some opportunities to showcase their versatility.

So what we can look forward to seeing is how many players can shine in their individual assignments. Can the cornerbacks cover receivers? Can any of the Lions defensive linemen generate a pass rush? How well can the linebackers play against the run and pass?

Jobs will be won or lost in these four exhibition games, but they won’t be playing for our entertainment.

No, the hope is that what amounts to four live practices will allow Patricia to evaluate his roster and determine which players will best fit his scheme and create a productive overall defense that will thrill the fans once the bright lights of the regular season start all the way into the playoffs. Which makes a ‘vanilla’ preseason worthwhile.

That is if they can get the job done once the season arrives.