Detroit Lions headlines: Kerryon Johnson the next Curtis Martin?
With the Super Bowl media blitz in full swing, questions about the future of the Detroit Lions abound. Let’s dive into today’s version headlines.
The culmination of all things football is coming to a head this weekend with Super Bowl LIII. That means a media blitz in the days before the championship game kick off covering all topics NFL, including the Detroit Lions.
From Kerryon Johnson being compared to a Hall of Fame running back to Bill Belichick ignoring questions about Matt Patricia and more, let’s dive into today’s fresh batch of headlines.
LaDainian Tomlinson: Lions Kerryon Johnson reminds me of Curtis Martin – Detroit Free Press
Curtis Martin was a versatile running back that was known for his consistency and durability. Those are two aspects Johnson has yet to prove he possesses following his first season in the NFL. Martin played for 12 years, playing in all 16 games for eight of those seasons. Kerryon has a total of 10 games under his belt after Year One. To clarify, Tomlinson was mainly referring to running styles. That’s where the comparisons should stop … for now.
It’s no surprise that Belichick was mum about Matt Patricia and his short tenure in Detroit. The man has bigger fish to fry right now. But it’s a disturbing trend I’m sure many Lions’ fans hope Patricia is able to break. But could the answer really be that what Belichick has is not transferable?
Charlie Weis talked to Lions about offensive coordinator job – Pro Football Talk
This sounds more like two friends just “talking shop” rather than anything resembling a job interview. The job was never offered. So the answer was never given. No harm. No foul. Although the addition of Weis would have made for some great Patriot-infused headlines, Darrell Bevell was the choice for offensive coordinator.
5 splash moves the Detroit Lions could make to overhaul this offseason – MLive.com
Of the five splash moves offered in the above article, the pursuit of defensive end Trey Flowers checks all the boxes for me. The Lions need a consistent pass rusher and Flowers already knows Matt Patricia’s scheme. Seems like the perfect fit. And that’s probably why it won’t happen.
Next. Is Trey Flowers the Lions' top free agent target?. dark
Top-10 Free Agent Linebackers in 2019 – Pro Football Focus
With a multiple defense that switches between the 3-4 and 4-3 formations, linebacker depth is of utmost importance. Could the Lions look to upgrade their linebacker corps in free agency? Surely. Of those listed in the above story, and although Anthony Barr is intriguing having played for an NFC North rival, I like Jake Ryan for Detroit. Ryan appears to have the versatile skill set required for Patricia’s scheme plus he’s coming off an injury and could possibly be signed below market value.