Can the Detroit Lions finally conquer the demons of their past?

The journey began last year when the Lions took a necessary step backward by starting the process of purging their roster while Matt Patricia laid the foundation of what he wants to build. This year needs to be about seeing results. This year needs to be about tangibly turning that corner.

One of the things about the NFL that we should all remember is that it is a get well quick league. It’s not at all unusual for teams to go from worst to first in their division. That isn’t something that happens every year, but the playoffs tend to have turnover each season.

Sometimes it is the worst to first scenario. Other times it’s a team that was kind of a middle of the pack club that struck gold the following season and found themselves in the playoffs.

For the Lions, ultimately, it’s about finding a way into the playoffs. I’m sure Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn would prefer to win the division and be home for the playoffs, but the truth of the matter is it’s about getting in. Whether it’s as a division winner or wildcard team because you can’t win in the playoffs unless you’re playing in them.

While many national and local media sources are selling the ‘same old Lions’ tale, this is an improved team from last season. A team that has improved in a few different ways. The obvious one is in personnel. There is a tangible difference between last years roster and this years team.

Another difference is how that improvement isn’t just on a talent level, but these talented players that have been added are perfect fits for Matt Patricia’s system. Last season saw many players that were here to fill out roster positions just because of how far-ranging the turnover need was to have players that would work with what Patricia wanted to do.

The work isn’t done, but this past offseason was a dramatic step in the right direction. As a matter of fact, it was dramatic enough that these Lions should be vastly improved.

Finally, there is Matt Patricia. Some people don’t believe in him and others think he is Detroit’s football savior. I tend to think the answer is closer to the middle. He is a very intelligent coach with a vision who is learning the nuances of leading an NFL team on the run and has great potential for growth as a head coach.

Given players that fit his system, I believe he can win. He has already made some necessary adjustments to his coaching style and I believe he will continue each offseason to find ways to improve his own game, just as players do themselves each year.

The 2019 Detroit Lions are not a finished product, but every team in the NFL has needs. If the Lions are ever going to break free of their oppressive, losing past, this is the time.

While I do have some concerns about the offensive line and depth in certain areas, this team is well capable of making a push to the playoffs. The failures of the past have nothing to do with this team. So now is the time for Bob Quinn, Matt Patricia, and these Lions to seize their opportunity to change the course of this franchise’s history.