(05-10-2020, 03:12 AM)D6 Wrote: (05-08-2020, 07:10 PM)JagFan81 Wrote: 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.
Thanks for the reply.
It certainly seems make or break for Patricia this year. I like the look of the Lions roster so far, got some real quality at a few positions, if Stafford can find that high level again and if the injury bug can stay away for a season i agree you guys have a shot at getting to the playoffs, then its a lottery.
You guys got screwed against the Chiefs last year but you had started pretty well. With the off season being as up in the air as it is, im not sure how prepared any team will be but it feels you guys need a good start to keep you going down the stretch.
