Report Card: Grading the Detroit Lions at the quarter mark

Coaches

There is a decidedly different atmosphere surrounding the Lions from this time a season ago. The Lions were a disappointing 1-3 after four games last year, with rumors of discontent and distrust permeating the team. Matt Patricia seems to have gained a much better grasp on leading an NFL team in year two and having a larger selection of hand-picked players (including many who have played for him before with the New England Patriots) certainly helps. The Lions are in good shape after a tough opening stretch.

The loss and the tie both sting, as the Lions were leading both games in the fourth quarter. Patricia must improve the team’s late-game execution on both sides of the ball, as there figure to be several more close games in the coming weeks. The Lions have yet to play a divisional opponent, and Patricia’s gameplans and execution in those matchups will be crucial if the Lions hope to be contenders for the NFC North’s top spot.

The Lions’ offense under Darrell Bevell has made some strides over the first four games, but there is room for improvement, particularly in the red zone. The loss to the Chiefs is a perfect example, as the Lions got inside the 10-yard line of the Chiefs four times on their first seven possessions, but came away with just 10 points. The Lions have been criticized incessantly for this decade, appropriately, for not using quarterback Stafford’s arm strength adequately. Give Patricia and Bevell credit for re-inserting the deep ball into the Lions’ offensive arsenal.

The Lions defense has regressed slightly this season under second-year defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, particularly against the run. They are surrendering over 124 yards per game on the ground thus far in 2019 as opposed to just over 110 last season. Injuries along the defensive line could be a factor, but this is a mark that must improve overall, and one that brings the coaching staff’s grade down.

The Lions are on pace to more than double their takeaways from a year ago, clearly a point of emphasis in Patricia’s second season and a major factor in their winning record. If they can maintain their takeaway production, play with more discipline late in close games and increase their output from the defensive front seven, they should continue to be a factor in the NFC.

Oh yeah, bonus points to Patricia for coaching since the preseason while recovering from offseason Achilles surgery. Maybe his gradual progression from a scooter to an A.T.V. to crutches to a boot will also symbolize the Lions’ return to health and signal a new powerhouse in the NFC. Maybe.

Grade: B

Do you agree with our evaluation? How would you grade the Lions’ position groups after four games? Let us know in the comments section below.

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