Why the Detroit Lions are going to prove everyone wrong
By Ryan Russell
2019 ushers in a new quarterbacks coach in the likes of Sean Ryan as well. Ryan worked with Texans quarterback Deshawn Watson in his rookie season. Watson would only play seven games that year, but he would go on to throw for 19 touchdowns in those seven games. That was an NFL record for a rookie quarterback’s first seven games.
Ryan also has experience coaching wide receivers. He is credited for helping develop superstar wide receivers Will Fuller and Odell Beckham JR. Ryan has two Super Bowl wins with the 2007 and 2011 New York Giants. He worked primarily with the wide receivers and quarterbacks for the Giants.
John Bonemego reunites with Detroit in 2019 as the special teams coordinator. Bonamego was with Detroit in 2013-14 where he helped develop Lions punter Sam Martin. Bonamego was the head coach in the college ranks for the Western Michigan University Chippewas from 2015-2018. Under Bonamego the Chippewas captured the MAC WEST title in 2015 and he also led them to three bowl game appearances.
Detroit hasn’t stopped there. They also acquired the services of offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. From 2011-2017 Bevell was the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. He led Seattle to five playoff seasons, three of which they won the NFC WEST title.
Bevell also brought two NFC conference championships and one Super Bowl championship (XLVIII) to Seattle. In this span, Bevell’s offense produced a whopping 17 Pro Bowl selections.
Bevell’s time with the Seahawks from 2011-17 ranked second in the NFL in point differential with +741. The team totaled nearly 15,000 yards rushing, which was good for second. Seattle’s passer rating also ranked fourth with a solid 95.7. Quarterback Russell Wilson had the most wins (65), highest passer rating (98.8), and third-best interception rate with a lowly 1.98 under Bevell’s tenure as well.