Phil Simms on 6-10 Detroit Lions: ‘I thought they’d be worse’

The Detroit Lions posting a 6-10 season following a 9-7 one is considered a disappointment by most. But one analyst was surprised they weren’t worse.

Prior to the 2018 season, the Detroit Lions had posted winning records for three of the past four seasons with two playoff berths. They appeared to be a team on the cusp of getting their first postseason victory since 1992.

Then, Detroit fired head coach Jim Caldwell after a 9-7 season. In his place, the Lions landed the top head coaching candidate in the New England Patriots’ longtime defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.

And it was a rollercoaster rookie season for Patricia in the Motor City. From trying to implement his multiple defensive scheme to attempting to change the culture in Detroit, it was not a smooth transition for the 44-year old.

The Lions ended 2018 with a 6-10 record, worse than any of the end-of-year results posted by Patricia’s fired predecessor. But there were glimpses of potential as well. Surprising wins against teams like the Patriots, Carolina Panthers and the Green Bay Packer (twice) for example.

Here’s what CBS analyst and former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Phil Simms told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press about the Lions’ performance under their first-year head coach last season.

"“Let’s give [Patricia] a while. What was Detroit’s final record? Six and 10? Quite honestly, I didn’t think they would be that. I thought they’d be worse. It was a huge start over and they lost some tough games, too … I think what they’ve done, they’ve kind of solidified where they’re going forward. I really thought that.”"

The Detroit Lions aren’t known for their patience. And with the team firing a successful head coach to take a chance on a Super Bowl winner, the Lions were surely disappointed by the results of their first season under Matt Patricia.

But the Lions have little choice but to trust the process now. When they signed Patricia to be their head coach, Detroit knew the culture change would take some time. And now they have no choice but to double down on the young coaching phenom, hoping he can do what many others could not. That’s to lead this proud franchise to the sustained success they’ve watched a team like New England have. A team, once again, playing this Sunday in the Super Bowl while the Lions can only sit at home and watch.