Firing Matt Patricia Prematurely Would Be a Huge Setback for the Lions
By Jon Poole
As for the defense, I believe the issue is more talent than scheme.
Because contrary to Darius Slays‘ comments, the Lions just don’t have the necessary pieces to let Patricia run this defense how he wants to successfully, or at least how he did in New England when they allowed to fewest points in a season.
By far, the single biggest issue with the Lions in every game this season has been the lack of pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. It’s actually somewhat surprising they’ve been able to play competitive football throughout the year with how little they pressure the quarterback.
So my biggest issue with Patricia is if he’s such a genius, why let one major flaw continue to cause havoc on your defense? Why not just switch up to one of the many other schemes you have installed in the past? Unless right now, it’s more about the rebuild? Is it perhaps establishing the fundamentals? Then it is winning this season…assumptions, of course.
Now I’m not just saying this for shock value now… but any base defense used in the NFL can be effective with the correct personnel and execution. 3-4, 4-3, 3-3-5, 4-2-5, hell even a 5-2 have all been successful in this league and could be today.
The trick is to get the right personnel for what you’re trying to implement, then motivate to execute. The personnel is where I believe the Lions are not as far along as we thought this offseason on defense in both talent and fit.
Patricia, for as much as he gets labeled a 3-4 guy, has really run more of a 3-3-5 (nickel) than anything so far in his two years in Detroit. In his defense the idea is gap control with large linebackers, rush less and drop more, but also cause confusion with who they’re rushing with various pre-snap techniques, getting pressure with confusion and simply winning one on one battles in a nutshell.
Pressure is still vital, and currently, DE Romeo Okwara just isn’t winning many battles. DT’s Harrison and Robinson are run-stuffers, not rushers; Mike Daniels, who was signed for pass-rush help, can’t seem to jog for more than a first down without hurting a foot. Austin Bryant, the rookie edge rusher, hasn’t seen the field, and maybe the most critical loss in the rush. Da’Shawn Hand has been out almost the entire season.
The Lions LB’s are also not controlling the gaps at the line, a cornerstone in this defense. The linebackers are getting either blown up, blocked, or they’ll over-run the ball (Davis)…miss the tackle (Tavai)…or to slow to get to the ball in the first place (Jones).
To play how Patricia wants to, they need an upgrade at DE opposite Flowers that can create pressure, another DT who can rush as Daniels is not the answer, about (3) more linebackers with size and cover skills and another NFL caliber starting CB opposite Slay. Now you’re not going to get all this in one offseason, but start with the pass rush, and that would go a LONG way.
More importantly than anyone’s position, though, the Lions defense needs higher-end talent. There is no one for opposing quarterbacks to fear from this front, no one you’re scared is going to crack your rib on one of his 4 QB hits on the night because you know you can’t stop this beast.