Detroit Lions: The most overrated, underrated heading into 2019
Exploring some of the hot topics in the world of the Detroit Lions, as the make or break 2019 season rapidly approaches for Matt Patricia and Co.
Using the classic overrated/underrated format, here’s my take on some of the common perceptions about this year’s Detroit Lions‘ team.
Looking at the schedule, new offensive additions, coaching staff, veteran quarterback, and the other teams around the division, I found talking points for each category that I feel are getting a little too much buzz, while others aren’t getting enough.
These are all just my opinion, so feel free to chime in below with any disagreements or players/topics that I’m leaving out.
Schedule
Overrated: The perceived difficulty of the schedule in the first month.
At Arizona, home against the Chargers, Philly on the road, then Kansas City back in the D. I don’t see any reason why Detroit should be any worse than 2-2 through this opening stretch.
Arizona was the worst team in the league last year. The Lions barely had 200 yards of total offense and still won by two touchdowns. With another shot at a rookie QB on opening day, Matt Patricia’s defense has to fare better than in a similar situation a year ago
The remaining three teams were all in the playoffs a year ago. Philadelphia had a late hot streak, but let’s not forget they were 4-6 and desperate at one point as well. Plus, they owe us one for the Golden Tate trade. The Chargers offense looks tough, but the Melvin Gordon holdout situation could throw a wrench in things (at least long enough for a Lions upset?) for a bit. Both of those games are winnable in my eyes.
The Chiefs though? Yeah if they hung 50 at Ford Field, I don’t think anyone would be too surprised.
Underrated: Importance of the first eight games for Matt Patricia’s future in Detroit.
Just for the sake of argument, let’s say that opening stretch does hit hard, it’s the end of October, and the Lions are sitting at 2-6… does Patricia last until the end of the season in this scenario?