2 reasons this Detroit Lions rebuild could be different than the others

2. The work has just begun, expectations should be low

Through four games the Lions have been maddeningly inconsistent. Sure we’ve seen this for decades, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Especially in a season where wins are not as important as progress.

These Lions have been inconsistent on both sides of the ball. The offense has had some nice drives, and actually looked good during some stretches. They have also looked lost for long stretches, and imploded far too frequently.

Is there a magic cure? Some major upgrades would help, but that isn’t going to happen this season. Yet for all the inconsistency the offense has had, they have been good enough to win a couple of games so far. The reason they haven’t won? All you need do is take a good long look at the defense.

For three seasons, the previous regime deconstructed this team. For three seasons the defense progressively got worse while trying to provide Matthew Stafford with weapons was the priority. Meager drafting, bad free agent signings, and poor coaching destined the Lions to be where they are today

When Stafford understandably asked to be traded rather than be part of a rebuild, it was the final straw that condemned the Lions and their fans to sit through what has been and will be a long, bad 2021 season.

Going into the season knowing this was a team that has a long way to go should have stifled expectations. The work has just begun, but it’s important to start making some consistent progress on the field and the sidelines.