The Detroit Lions, under Matt Patricia, is a product most expected: a tough-minded team that prides themselves on stopping offensive playmakers. Though they lost on Sunday to the Kansas City Chiefs, they showed that notion by restricting Patrick Mahomes to no passing touchdowns—the first time of the 2019 season.
One former NFL offensive chimed in on Patricia, saying, via Mike Sando of The Athletic:
“Patricia is a legitimate defensive guy,” a former offensive coordinator said. “Their offense is interesting to me, too. I happen to think the quarterback is really good. We have gone through his deficiencies for a long time. He’s like the best golfer to never win a major. Maybe going outside the New England tree for the offense will work for them.”
Patricia's defensive prominence is all too apparent. Along with playing Mahomes better than anyone in 2019, the Lions defended 2018's elite quarterbacks at a high-level. Against Tom Brady, the Lions defense allowed his season-low in yards per attempt (5.1) and completion rate (53.8%) and second-lowest in passer rating (65.1). They also brought the worst out of Jared Goff, as he had his third-worst performance in completion rate (51.5%) and passer rating (68.6) and second-worst in yards per attempt (6.3).
Most figured the Lions defense would be good under Patricia, it's the offensive side that's had questions. Under offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, the Lions have molded an offense that will complement their defense; a run-heavy one orientated around Kerryon Johnson. If they struggle to run the ball, quarterback Matthew Stafford has weapons in Marvin Jones Jr., Kenny Golladay, and T.J. Hockensen.
The Lions record is 2-1-1, but they may be one of the best teams in the NFL.
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