Detroit Lions: Even in this crazy year, there are no excuses
By Robert Jones
The Lions are not completely devoid of talent
In just over two seasons together general manager Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia have accomplished nothing. At least nothing outside of what all of their failed predecessors have accomplished.
Many fans and the media alike are debating who deserves most of the blame for this situation the Lions are in. Is it Bob Quinn’s inability to acquire the right players? Or is it Matt Patricia who can’t seem to get the most out of his players.
Especially on defense.
The truth is probably somewhere in between. Quinn and Patricia are irrevocably tied at the hip. There can be no sane way to dismiss one without making them stuff the other in their bag as they take the usual walk of shame out of Allen Park.
I have heard the debate in the media and on the radio about how barren the Lions roster is. I don’t completely agree. They do lack play-makers and their depth is a concern, both of which are enough to condemn Quinn and Patricia for how they have constructed this roster, but it is not completely devoid of talent.
The three-headed backfield of Adrian Petersen, Kerryon Johnson, and D’Andre Swift are plenty talented. The offensive line has that hole at left guard, but overall they are improving. Kenny Golladay is a star on the rise.
Combined with Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola, and rookie Quintez Cephus who has played well enough in Golladay’s absence, the receivers are a strength. Plus tight end T.J. Hockenson is making nice strides in his second season.
And whether you like Matthew Stafford or not, he is still among the most talented passers in the league. However, the mental mistakes so far this year are perplexing considering his experience and have to stop.
It’s when we turn to the defense that we really start grasping for straws. Perhaps the best player on the Lions defense is safety Tracy Walker who is being platooned. I get that Matt Patricia considers Duron Harmon the glue of the secondary and wants him on the field, but Walker is too good to be platooned.
Plain and simple the defense needs plenty of help.