Detroit Lions: Winning formula must develop into a new identity

FINAL THOUGHTS

To really build something this year, Detroit needs to win one of the next two games. It is either this week at Dallas or a home bout with the Green Bay Packers the following week. That would put their record at 2-3 going into the bye week.

Honestly, a win against the Cowboys could really turn this season around for the Detroit Lions. They would be back at .500 (2-2 record) and well on their way to beating the Packers, especially considering quarterback Aaron Rodgers hobbled knee.

Coach Patricia keeps talking about resetting and focusing on each week’s game. If Detroit can do that this week, and pull out the win, it will be a sign of a very effective coaching strategy. It will also quell all the talk that Patricia isn’t connecting with his current roster.

This season could not have started worse with the blowout loss to the New York Jets in Week 1. But another win this week will really put that loss in the rear-view. The biggest key to this happening is another inspired effort by the defense, coupled with a ball-controlling dominance via the rush attack. That could be a true recipe for winning week to week.

More than that, establishing the ground game needs to be a major focus regardless of Detroit’s record. This commitment to the run could really change the identity of this team for the next several years, and really give Patricia a staple that compliments a new look defense. All leading to that one final (and very elusive) goal: playoff success.