Detroit Lions: Offseason moves will most likely decide this regime’s fate

Defense and crossed fingers

If the Lions decide to bring in a new regime, then it would be pretty easy to understand the use of their upcoming high first-round pick in next April’s draft to find their new franchise quarterback and the domino effect that would lead to widespread changes to the roster. That’s what happens with new regimes.

However, at this time all indications are that Quinn and Patricia will be back and that means a completely different offseason itinerary. It means fix this team now and make a playoff run next year. Otherwise, Quinn and Patricia will be shown the door.

Last April’s first-round pick, tight end T.J. Hockenson, has had a difficult rookie campaign. I still think he will be a very good player in time, but consider if the Lions had selected defensive tackle Ed Oliver or middle linebacker Devin Bush. Either one could have been a difference-maker on a defense that desperately needs some.

All of this adds up to one conclusion; the Lions need to focus on defense this offseason.

If Bob Quinn selects an offensive player with their high first-round pick ignoring the defense like they have every season except once since he’s been in charge, especially with the defensive needs they have, then he will most likely have signed his own pink slip.

For the Quinn and Patricia era to continue in Detroit, they have to fix the defense. That doesn’t mean there aren’t offensive needs, but the quickest way to turnaround this franchise is for Quinn and Patricia to absolutely nail the offseason defensively and pray Matthew Stafford will stay healthy next year.

Matthew Stafford bounced back very strong from his subpar showing last season and given good health should continue to thrive in Darrell Bevell’s offense. Yet even when he was healthy and playing at a near MVP level before injury, the Lions were 3-4-1.

You can’t win with offense alone in the NFL. The defense has to be a major factor for any team aspiring to be champions. Defense wins championships.

So if Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia return, they can no longer sell the old ‘we need more weapons for Matthew Stafford’. The offense still has needs, but they also have enough weapons that there is no way, shape or form that the defense can’t be the absolute top priority.

Ultimately, success on the field next year will determine the fates of Quinn and Patricia if they are retained. But without a banner defensive offseason and Matthew Stafford reclaiming his iron man status, we will probably find ourselves sitting through another wasted season.