3 Wishes for the Detroit Lions
It has been quite the learning experience covering the Detroit Lions this season.
Many have more experiences being around the team on a full-time basis.
However, it's safe to say that in my 35 years as a fan and six years covering the Lions for the Detroit Sports Podcast Network, this organization needs some major wishes to come true.
On Monday evening, I had the privilege of enjoying Monday Night Football with friends.
The Green Bay Packers -- led by first-year head coach Matt LaFleur -- have won the NFC North.
It's a feat that the Lions have not accomplished since 1993, and one they probably won't for a couple more seasons.
Here are my three wishes for the organization heading into 2020:
Free-agent dollars spent on players that actually perform on the field
With over 40 million dollars of cap space available this offseason, it is imperative that Bob Quinn spend the dollars wisely.
The Lions are not a charity.
They must stop overpaying for veterans that come to Motown and disappoint.
And maybe avoid any players that are released from the Packers since the Lions have not seen any tangible returns from ex-Packers (i.e. Mike Daniels).
Spending money wisely is imperative if Quinn is to remain in Detroit beyond next season.
Overhaul the running game
Reading that running backs Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough may be a new tandem for Detroit only brings me lukewarm feelings.
Johnson can't be relied upon yet to play a full season, and Scarbrough is too inexperienced to be relied upon.
If there is a home-run threat in the draft or a talented, yet troubled running back available in free agency, Detroit should look to upgrade the depth chart at running back.
For whatever reason, the Lions cannot consistently crack 100 yards rushing during a game.
It is befuddling and infuriating at the same time.
Every season, Detroit discusses its goal of having a balanced offense and its desire to be able to run the football. But it never comes to fruition.
Just take a look at what Packers running back Aaron Jones was able to do last night against the Minnesota Vikings. It was highly impressive.
Can't say that ever for the Lions' rushing attack.
A defense we can all be proud of
Normally, allowing a football coach to have three seasons to instill his system would be viewed as favorable by fans.
In Detroit, fans have less than zero faith in head man Matt Patricia, and it's completely understandable.
A so-called defensive "guru" and "genius" who put that utterly disgusting defense on the field this season for the world to laugh and scoff at only deserves criticism.
The defense never got better in 2019.
The defense never executed in the big moments, and Patricia's scheme looks to be as soft as the Charmin tissue paper lining our bathrooms.
Rookie quarterbacks and less-than-stellar signal callers were able to rack up significant passing yards and touchdown passes against this defense.
In Week 16 against the Broncos, the Lions recorded one pressure in the entire game. Yes, just one through the entire 60 minutes of action.
The scheme does not appear to best utilize the talent available, and Patricia & Co. never adapted this season.
If Detroit is going to have success next season -- with the mandate from owner Martha Ford being to contend for the playoffs -- Patricia and the new defensive staff are going to need to get back to the drawing board and make this defense aggressive and impactful.
All that Patricia's defense produces, at this point, is grandiose offensive production for opponents that easily make plays on a weekly basis.
It's nice that Patricia's team plays hard -- which he has continued to emphasize after each loss. However, when is the scheme going to start helping the team instead of hurting it on a regular basis?
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