Detroit Lions: Coach Matt Patricia finally makes an impact

It is hard not to doubt the Detroit Lions. But, maybe, things are starting to change for this franchise. And good things are on the horizon.

These last two victories by the Detroit Lions have been surprising, to say the least. Everyone has lined up excuses for the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles over the last two weeks, but the Lions beat two very good football teams.

No one can say that the Detroit Lions are playing flawless football and are playoff-bound at this point in the season.

But they are doing enough – making enough big plays and avoiding enough mistakes – to win the games. And what more can any of us ask?

On Monday’s Pro Football Talk Live, co-host Chris Simms talked about how the Lions were able to pull off that win against the Eagles. And Simms was quite complimentary about the change that is happening in Detroit (09-23-19, “#3″):

"“Matt Patricia has changed the culture in Detroit… Smash-mouth football… solid defensive play throughout the day [with] a defense that is not that talented, and not that special. But to go into Philadelphia and find a way to win that football game, I think it says a lot about Matt Patricia and where the Lions are at.”"

The Detroit Lions would normally find ways to lose games when it comes to opponents like the Chargers and Eagles – and arguably they did find a way to lose against the Arizona Cardinals in that Week 1 tie. But these past two weeks, they found ways to win. And they are finishing what they start.

Winning in Philadelphia is not an easy thing to do. The Philly offense is considered to be much more dynamic and innovative. And the defense is full of playmakers. Plus, they had the home-field advantage – with a fan base that can be downright hostile towards the opposition.

Yet, the Detroit Lions were victorious. These wins are above their weight class. Both games could have been blowout losses and it would not have surprised most fans.

The Detroit Lions are getting a lot out of their players, and finally developing some depth on the roster. And head coach Matt Patricia, in particular, seems to be inspiring his defense to work together and frustrate opposing offenses.

Yes, the run defense has been inexplicably atrocious. Yes, we would all like to see more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

But it looks like this team can have extra bodies drop into coverage, and then simply wait for (or force) a mistake by the opposition. Everyone does their job. And it isn’t flashy with sacks or interceptions, but it is enough to win the game.

It is always enjoyable to watch the Detroit Lions win. Beating the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday is probably too much of a leap for this team to take. But they are at home, so why not?

No matter what happens Sunday (even if it is a bad loss), the Detroit Lions have an opportunity to build on the last two weeks. The confidence that things are improving is starting to take hold.

It is just one step towards competing for that elusive championship – not even talking Super Bowl yet, let’s talk about winning the division title first. But at least it is a step in the right direction.