Detroit Lions: To win or not to win, that is the question

Detroit Lions fans don’t know whether to cheer for victory or not

The Detroit Lions found a way to win a game they would have lost under the direction of Matt Patricia. The breath of fresh air that players talked about in the locker room translated on to the field. For at least one week.

The come from behind win over the Chicago Bears last Sunday was unexpected considering how poorly the defense played in the first half. But football games have two halves and the Lions defense actually showcased some decent play after the halftime adjustments.

In essence, the defense allowed the offense to complete the comeback by holding on against the Bears offense and creating the big play that led to Adrian Peterson’s game-winning touchdown. Granted the Bears’ offense isn’t good at all, but at least the Lions defense had a pulse in the second half.

It mostly wasn’t pretty and I don’t think it means that the Lions will roar back to make the playoffs. But what it does seem to mean is that the players truly wanted Matt Patricia gone.

When Matt Patricia was here he preached for players to do their job and hustle. In his mind, it didn’t really seem to matter who was on the field because if they did those two things in his scheme, the Lions’ defense would be good.

The problem with that thought process is that while schemes do matter, players matter more. If you don’t have play-makers, you don’t have a chance to win it all. Regardless of how brilliant you think your scheme is.

The Lions lack play-makers, but with former general manager Bob Quinn, as well as Matt Patricia, swept out the door, they did have enthusiasm. They did have hustle. That also allowed them to gather their fifth win of the season.

It also did one other thing. It left Detroit Lions fans everywhere trying to figure out whether they should enjoy it and celebrate or be upset at watching next April’s draft pick take a tumble.