Detroit Lions: Results must justify Matt Patricia’s methods

First-time head coach Matt Patricia is trying to change the culture within the Detroit Lions. But the players need to see results before buying in.

Remember the old saying: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Does that apply to the Detroit Lions this season? Ask any fan, they’ll likely tell you the 2017 version of the Lions were certainly broken.

Despite posting a winning record of 9-7, Detroit didn’t make the playoffs. Their rushing attack ranked dead last in the NFL. Their defense didn’t fare much better, ranking 27th. And although the Lions were able to throw the ball effectively, it wasn’t enough.

Yet, following Monday night’s embarrassing loss to the lowly New York Jets 48-17, Detroit fans may be longing for the days of 9-7 and remembering former head coach Jim Caldwell with rose-colored glasses.

It certainly appears some of the players themselves are feeling that way, as rumors of dissatisfaction with new head coach Matt Patricia and his methods have emerged. A certain amount of blowback had to be expected by the former defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots as he’s attempting to change the culture in Detroit though physicality.

This was made very evident this offseason when Patricia implemented his version of the Oklahoma drill and ended practices with the team running wind sprints and gassers. The new head coach also used running as a form of punishment, leading to early speculation that he could lose some of the players because of it.

Now, as we enter into the regular season, it appears as if some of the Lions’ players have yet to fully buy-in to the first-time head coach’s methods. And Monday’s horrific loss has only added fuel to that fire.

Here’s what NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks had to say about the Lions’ players and their rumored tenuous relationship with Patricia during an interview on The Herd with Colin Cowherd Thursday.

"“Matt Patricia shows up. The Patriot way. It’s a little harder. Maybe a little more fear-based than warm and fuzzy. Players are having a tough time trying to embrace the style because they had success the previous way. And so when someone comes in, holds them maybe a little firmer, makes it a little more contentious, you want to see the results.”"

Brooks continued by saying the players don’t appear to be enjoying the process and they want to know if all the hard work they did in the offseason is going to pay off. Through Week One, it clearly hasn’t. In fact, their tired legs could be a reason for the lopsided defeat. And that’s a knock on Patricia’s credibility.

Sunday’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers could be a critical turning point in the season for the Detroit Lions. If Detroit pulls out a victory on the road, Patricia’s methods get more justification. If Motown loses again, especially if it’s another blowout, more players might jump off the Patricia bandwagon. And that would make changing the culture in the Motor City that much more of an uphill battle for the young head coach.