Detroit Lions: Darrell Bevell hire comes a year too late
The Detroit Lions don’t commit to one vision for the franchise. The hiring of Darrell Bevell is just another course correction that comes a year too late.
Last week, the Detroit Lions locked down a big hole in their coaching staff with the hire of Darrell Bevell.
In Bevell, the Lions get a solid resume as an offensive coordinator for more than a decade:
- Minnesota Vikings (2006-10)
- Seattle Seahawks (2011-17)
- Super Bowl XLVIII – World Champion (2013 season)
- Super Bowl XLIX – NFC Champion (2014 Season)
General manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia had hoped for better results in their first year together. Things did not go as planned. Moving forward, the Bevell hire needs to result in more wins for this Detroit Lions squad.
GOOD FIT
Last Thursday, Matt Shepard (nicknamed “Shep”) interviewed Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com on his radio program “Shep, Shower, ‘N’ Shave.” Because of the fit with Quinn and Patricia, Twentyman spoke highly of the Bevell hire (01-17-19, Episode #320):
"“Look, Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn have come out and said: ‘We want more balance on offense. We’re not gonna be a team that lines up four wide receivers and throws the ball forty times.’ Now, I think you can still do that. And there are going to be cases when they have to do that. But there is going to be a focus on balance and running the football. And that aligns with Matt Patricia’s philosophy. So, that’s why I think this is a good hire.”"
Whether or not Bevell is a good hire, I can give a big “Amen” to running the ball more. The best games of last season involved the Detroit Lions committing to the ground game. But week after week, it felt like running wasn’t a top priority.
Thankfully, the run game looked better last season. Just being able to get a yard or two at the goal line was a major step forward. And running back Kerryon Johnson looks like he could be special – especially if he stays healthy moving forward.