The Detroit Lions backfield could be a horn of plenty

The Detroit Lions wanted to improve the ground game. With the additions they’ve made, it could be a horn of plenty.

The Detroit Lions are finally on the field and finally getting some meaningful contact. All that’s left is to build some cohesiveness and hope they’re ready when the curtain goes up against the Chicago Bears.

The 2020 Detroit Lions’ success will go a long way towards determining the fate of head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn. If they succeed, then perhaps this will be the beginning of a competitive run in Motown. If they fail then the never-ending rebuilding will most likely continue under the regime of a new general manager and head coach.

When Bob Quinn plucked his long-time friend Matt Patricia from the greener pastures of New England two and a half years ago, the given was that the former Patriots defensive coordinator would at least make the Lions defense competitive.

Instead, after the defense bounced back from a poor start in Patricia’s first year at the helm to finish as the 10th ranked defense in the NFL, they slumped to league and franchise lows last year.

As we head into Patricia’s third year on the Lions sidelines, a year that ownership has mandated that this team be in the playoff race come December, the biggest questions are on the defensive side of the ball.

After more offseason turnover, does Matt Patricia finally have the pieces that can execute his defensive system? Because let’s be honest, if the Lions become pretty good at the whole defensive thing this season, they will not only compete for the NFC North title, but they will be in the playoffs with a chance to, dare we say, win a game.

The reason I say that? Because I think most of us believe that Darrell Bevell’s offense led by Matthew Stafford will be pretty good at the whole offensive thing. Both in the air as usual, and on the ground.