Detroit Lions defense should find that ‘Snacks’ agree with them
By Robert Jones
The other benefit that comes from this is the fact that Harrison was also extremely effective in a four-man front as well, during his time in New York.
Harrison isn’t just a one trick specialist. You can line him up in either front and he dominates opposing run games just as easily. Which is perfect for a defense like Matt Patricia’s that will often from week to week, if not even from series to series in a game change up the front they are playing to create an advantage for themselves.
This trade was a complete win for Bob Quinn, Matt Patricia, the Lions, and their fans.
The only downside would be the fact that this defense is complex to learn. How long it takes ‘Snacks’ Harrison to feel completely comfortable in it, will be up to him.
However, once the details of the trade are finalized, he will be inserted into the lineup as quickly as possible. Which means this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks if they can get him on the practice field for at least a day or two.
There will be a lot of learning on the run.
But that shouldn’t be the end of the universe because the basic responsibilities of a nose-tackle don’t change completely in Matt Patricia’s defense. Even in a 4-3 front, the defensive tackles have fewer nuances to learn than just about any other position on defense.
That doesn’t mean it will be a seamless transition and there isn’t plenty for Matt Patricia’s new defensive prize to learn, but plain and simple the learning curve and growing pains shouldn’t be as massive as it would be elsewhere on this defense.
Remember that Romeo Okwara, another former New York Giant, that the Lions signed after he had been released during the Giants final cuts this fall, did not play in the opener, but has suited up in each game since.
Oh yeah, and he’s been pretty productive too.
In the case of ‘Snacks’, I would suspect the Lions coaching staff would be willing to live with tossing him into the mix this Sunday if at all possible.
His presence, even in a learning mode, can still only help these Lions.
Yes, the Lions have made a huge move that should certainly help their push towards the goal of winning now. This defense will only be better for having acquired the massive Pro-Bowler, which in turn makes this team even more ready to make a possible run this season, but also gives them a jump start on next season as well.
This trade was a definite win for the Lions and their fans. Today the Lions head out into the world with every possibility of actually being able to contend, not only with their divisional foes but the entire NFL. Which is what we’ve all been dreaming about.