On Sunday, Detroit Lions fans got their first look at the post-“Quinn-Tricia” era team. There were ups and downs, but ultimately the Lions overcame the Bears 34-30 to improve to 5-7 on the season. Although it was refreshing to see the Detroit Lions in a competitive game, the win probably isn’t worth it in the long run.
The New Detroit Lions
Since the firing of Matt Patricia, interim coach Darrell Bevell seems to be bringing some life to this Detroit Lions team. Bevell most likely knows this might be his only chance as a head coach in the NFL, so why not get the most out of it for himself and the players. He has a good philosophy which the players seem to like, just look at what he said after Sunday’s win.
Good things happened.#OnePride #VictoryMonday pic.twitter.com/W1AmiYjqKM
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 7, 2020
“Joy” and “enthusiasm” were not in the Lions’ vocabulary during the days of Patricia. It’s very likely that the team is playing extra hard for Bevell just to spite their former head coach. QB Matt Stafford said in one interview about the interim head coach that he “brings that sort of youthful joy to the game”. If one thing has become clear in the last week, it’s that the Detroit Lions are better off without Matt Patricia.
Sunday’s Lions team had energy and fight. A big part of getting the win was relying on mistakes made by the Bears, but Detroit was able to capitalize on those mistakes. That plus a Stafford-led late fourth-quarter drive had Lions fans reminiscing on the days of Jim Caldwell. Overall, Detroit already seems to be on the track of progress without “Quinn-Tricia.”
Lions Win, but at What Cost?
Despite Sunday’s win, there is still that feeling of “same old Lions”. As a Detroit Lions fan, I have been on the side of prioritizing draft position over wins to close the season. Deep down, Detroit fans can never be too upset about seeing the Lions win. However, this victory could prove a speed-bump on the road to future success.
The first cause for concern is the potential draft position. According to Tankathon, the Lions’ improvement to 5-7 has now taken them out of the top ten in the projected draft order. The organization needs a rebuild and a top ten pick to get it rolling.
The team’s remaining schedule could help things fall back into place. Three of the Lions’ four remaining games are at home. However, that doesn’t mean much in 2020. Detroit hosts the NFC North leaders the Green Bay Packers in Week 14. Then they head on the road to face Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans. The Lions end the season hosting the Bucs and Vikings. Those two teams will likely be playing hard to secure playoff spots, so good luck to Bevell and the Lions trying to play spoiler.
Who’s Next?
Another cause for concern could be the head coaching search. With Bevell getting the win Sunday, Lions ownership might be getting the wrong idea. Bevell has said he’s treating these five games as an “audition.” If Lions ownership is taking that seriously, then it might be time to worry.
Detroit Lions ownership has never been known for making the best decisions. If they know what’s right for the organization, then they’ll know to move on from anyone associated with Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn. That includes Darell Bevell. He seems like a great guy and a hit with the players, but he should not be the permanent head coach. On the bright side for Bevell, this audition might help him land a spot on a coaching staff in a better organization than Detroit.
One can never be too upset when their football team wins. Seeing the Lions rally for a late win with energy was refreshing. Despite that, the Detroit Lions might lose sight of the long-term goals they need to focus on. Bevell has the team energized and ready to fight, but hopefully the tough remaining schedule plays out in favor of the rebuild.
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