The Detroit Lions have been nothing short of disappointing for 60 years. Most meteorologists I’ve spoken to have said there seems to be relief in sight, but the truth is that this franchise can be turned around. The question is; are general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia the ones to do it?
Only time will give us the real answer, but the fact of the matter is that this offseason should help provide us with the information we need to make an educated guess.
If the Lions stick to Matt Patricia’s blueprint, which is clearly to emphasize defense, then that will give this regime their best chance to be successful.
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I say this for two reasons, first of all, how can Patricia be expected to turn this club around without following the blueprint he believes in? There have been many different kinds of coaches that have found a way to win, but it only happens when they stay true to their own philosophy.
Also, much like my precocious daughter, I certainly believe that defense wins championships and despite the fact the NFL has made many rule changes to favor the offense, championships always come down to making a play on defense.
Even in Super Bowl LII last February, which was exactly the type of shootout the league seems to want, it was Philadelphia Eagles defensive end, Brandon Graham, that made the game deciding play late when he forced a fumble as he sacked Tom Brady. That led to the Eagles game clinching score.
Patricia, as a former defensive coordinator, will always believe deeply in the importance of defense and they cannot afford to ignore it and go ‘all-in’ on the offense again.
Now let me be clear about what I’m saying; I’m not encouraging the Lions to ignore the offense. No, it will definitely need to be addressed, but it can’t be the sort of all encompassing project it was last offseason.
Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia will need to acquire as many pieces as they can for both sides of the ball, but they cannot bypass the blue chip defenders at the top of the draft which could make an immediate impact on the field.
In actuality the biggest decision facing Matt Patricia this offseason will be deciding who will be his offensive coordinator. The right choice there would mean having an innovative system that gets the most out of its players and give the Lions a chance to put points on the board more consistently, while the wrong choice will mean more offensive purgatory.
There is much work for this franchise to do before next season and in order to make the improvements they anticipate, it will take many shrewd moves and leaving no stone unturned. Which means maybe both Quinn and Patricia might want to be sure they’ve gotten their letters off to Santa as well. Merry Christmas, everyone.