Detroit Lions ominous milestone highlights need for change

The Detroit Lions have reached an ominous milestone for their struggling franchise only highlighting the desperate need for change in Motown.

When Matt Patricia agree to join the Detroit Lions as their newest head coach last year, he knew he was facing an uphill battle. Along with former New England Patriots’ alum turned Lions’ general manager Bob Quinn, the two went about the business of changing the culture in Detroit. And that effort continues today.

In order to help facilitate that change, the Lions have employed several former Patriot players. The latest being free agents like defensive end Trey Flowers, cornerback Justin Coleman, and wide receiver Danny Amendola. Last season, it was ex-Pats like quarterback Matt Cassel, running back LeGarrette Blount, and defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois who not only helped shape the roster, but started to reshape the culture in Patricia’s first season at the helm.

But it’s easy for fans to look at the disappointing results of last year, namely a 6-10 season-ending record and a basement finish in the NFC North, and long for the days when Jim Caldwell was head coach. During his four-year tenure, Caldwell led the Lions to three winning seasons and two playoff berths. Unfortunately, Caldwell was unable to get Detroit a single postseason victory and it ultimately cost him his job.

But it is that extreme lack of playoff success that should have fans begging for change in the Motor City. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press recently reminded fans of an ominous milestone their beloved franchise has reached … and it’s a reason they should be fully behind what Patricia and Quinn are trying to accomplish in Detroit.

"“[The Lions] drought without a playoff victory now stands at an even 10,000 days, since a Jan. 5, 1992, win over the Dallas Cowboys. It’s the second longest active streak in the NFL behind the Cincinnati Bengals, whose last playoff win came a season earlier, on Jan. 6, 1991.”"

When the Detroit Lions hired Matt Patricia to be their head coach, they hired the defensive coordinator of a Patriots’ team that went to six-straight championship games under his watch. New England also won two Super Bowls during that span as well. It’s clear that Patricia knows what it takes to win in the postseason, something that has eluded the Lions for a whopping 10,000 days.

Although it’s fair to fell disappointed about last year’s outcome, Lions’ fans have to admit two things. One, that changing the culture in Detroit is a monumental task. And two, that Matt Patricia has the pedigree to get the Lions’ over the playoff hump. Though it’s unknown if he’ll be able to accomplish those goals without legendary Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looking over his shoulder, Patricia deserves more time to do so.