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D6 · 05-10-2020, 03:12 AM

(05-08-2020, 07:10 PM)JagFan81 Wrote:
(05-08-2020, 03:06 PM)D6 Wrote: 1. I'm viewing the Lions overall draft favorably. Probably, closer to a B+ post draft grade than a B.

My greatest Lions draft disappointment was the market to trade down with Miami ( # 5 ) or the LA Chargers ( # 6 ) didn't materialize. The COVID-19 situation probably played a huge role in this happening, as uncertainty about Tua's health likely prevented one or more teams trying to trade up to pick # 3 in order to draft Tua.

The only decision the Lions made during the draft that I have a major disagreement with is the Lions trading up with the Colts from pick # 85 to pick # 75 in Round 3 to draft Ohio St. G Jonah Jackson. The cost was a very high pick in Round 5 and going down 15 spots in Round 6. If the Lions kept pick # 85 and Jackson was still available, I would have been noticeably more comfortable with the decision.

I agree with your assessments of the D'Andre Swift and Jeff Okudah selections.

When combining the injury issues with Kerryon Johnson ( 14 missed games combined in his first 2 NFL seasons, not to mention injuries with Auburn ) and the value of Swift at pick # 35, the decision makes a great deal of sense.

Jeff Okudah is an excellent system ( Press Man Coverage emphasis ) and overall fit. Great intangibles on top of everything else.

2. Darius Slay was probably the final player of note remaining on the Lions roster that wasn't on the same page as Matt Patricia. The difference between how former Lions HC Jim Caldwell ( who I wanted the Lions to retain ) and Matt Patricia was a culture shock for most Lions returning players in 2018. Patricia's overall lack of flexibility that season and the players reactions were reflected in the opening MNF debacle against the Jets. Patricia has improved in this regard since after the 2018 season. Yet, no one at present will confuse him with Caldwell, in terms of structure and their overall approaches.

3. So much depends on injuries. When Matthew Stafford suffered the back injury that ended the Lions season, the Lions were around .500. The Lions didn't win another game the rest of the season. Leads in the 4th QTR were blown in most games. The Lions Defense was the # 1 reason for the losses. But the drop-off between Stafford and the 2 QBs that followed was enormous. The Lions overall injury situation became horrible.

Related to question 2, this off--season, the Lions brought in many more players with connections to Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn from their New England days. The Lions signed DT Danny Shelton and LB Jamie Collins. The Lions also traded for S Duron Harmon. Hence, a starter with Patricia ties on all 3 levels of Defense was added. Because of the limitations of preparation because of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding players familiar with the Lions Defensive system and the 'Patriots Way' should benefit the Lions. Quinn and Patricia are on the Hot Seat. Anything less than playoff contention probably will lead a regime change.

Because the Lions entered the post-draft period with the 3rd most amount of 2020 salary cap space, there are still viable opportunities to upgrade the roster. Part of the cap funds likely will be used to extend the contract of WR Kenny Golladay. The Lions can still use another interior D-Lineman. Another edge rusher ( Everson Griffin is intriguing ) makes sense, even with a high upside Edge Player ( Julian Okwara taken with pick # 67 ), and the addition of Collins. A blocking TE is a need, with Logan Thomas signing with the Redskins as an UFA. Veteran Offensive Tackle insurance is something the Lions can use as well.

If Matthew Stafford stays relatively healthy and the team's overall injury situation is in the middle of the NFL or more favorable, I think the Lions will be in the mix for a playoff spot. With a 10 win season not a pipe dream. I totally understand why Jaguars fans view the Lions as a team the Jaguars have a good chance of beating. The Lions lost the last 9 games. Regardless of injuries and the vast majority of the games being there for the taking ( some of the scores are misleading ), the Lions record is what stands out. The Lions came within 1 play of closing out the Chiefs in game # 4 last season. The Packers didn't lead the Lions in either game the teams played against each other until Game winning FGs the final play of the games. Yet, the Lions were lit up by a Bears QB that Nick Foles likely will be replacing in the starting lineup. When each game is played ( this goes for any NFL game ), so much depends on the teams injury situations.

From a Lions fan perspective, I am well aware that the Jaguars could easily surprise a lot of people this season. I don't view the Jags as a team that will be close to the # 1 pick, if they have a mid-level injury situation or better, and don't have a fire sale with trades.

Sorry just gonna ask a few questions myself!

1- How are Lions fans feeling with Patricia? Do they think he can turn it round or have they already decided? Hes an interesting coach. Highly praised in New England and while that D was very good, you never knew how much was really down to Patricia. Everyone made up their own minds. I like him as a coach but havent seen enough yet to be sure he can be a HC rather than a good DC (see Gus Bradley).

2- Whay do you think of Kerryon Johnson? Had some real flashes and has real speed but i think he got injured. Obviously being an RB in Detroit is a pretty high bar but just wondering what the opinion on him was

Ive felt Detroit have really suffered from playing in such a tough division every year. Packers go from Favre to Rodgers, Bears sucked for a few years (oh Jay Cutler, the gift that kept on giving) but have a great D now and Zimmer has turned the Vikings into legit contenders most years. You dont have those 'gimme' division games to pad the record with 2 easy W's (See New England and all AFC East )

1. My estimate is around 65 % of Lions fans have already come to the conclusion that Matt Patricia is going to fail as Lions HC.

There's no question on this end that Patricia was a high quality Defensive Coordinator. If the Lions don't have much better tangible results in 2020, Patricia probably will be an NFL DC in 2021. With an uphill battle to get another NFL HC opportunity.

The # 1 question for me regarding Patricia as Lions HC is will be flexible enough regarding the Lions Defense to make changes, if his core hybrid system doesn't produce noticeably better results early in the 2020 season? The Lions have to generate a better pass rush and can't be overly dependent on coverage. In fairness to Patricia, injuries on Defense, especially the Defensive Line, made the job of the coaches extremely difficult this past season.

2. I'm a fan of Kerryon Johnson, as his running instincts are a major strength. Kerryon doesn't have great speed and power. Yet, his feel for the game, slipperiness, and preparation help compensation for the most part. He's an asset as a receiver. He's somewhat inconsistent with blitz pickup execution. Probably, because of the amount of missed practice and games because of injuries. With the addition of D'Andre Swift and the better than expected rushing of Bo Scarbrough after he was promoted from the Practice Squad in mid-November, the need for any of the RBs to be a bell cow has lessened. One thing that jumps out regarding the Lions top 3 RBs is they all played their college ball in the SEC.

The NFC North has indeed been a strong division. Even just looking at the last several seasons, Aaron Rodgers has been a differential player much more often than not when he's avoided injury. The Packers added the 'Smith Brothers' in FA last season and they made a huge difference off the edge on their Defense. Mike Zimmer's Defense has caused the Lions Offensive Line and other blockers kept in for protection far more problems than any other Defense. Dalvin Cook is a differential runner, with the ability to go the distance on any play. The Bears Defense became very dangerous once they added Khalil Mack.

Right now, I think the division is wide open for the 2020 season. If the Lions injury situation is on the favorable side, anything less than at least being in the thick of the NFC playoff race ( that much more with 7 teams per Conference making the playoffs- which I remain totally against. ) will make it difficult to justify bring back Patricia for a 4th season. With a total regime change probably necessary.