Fansided

How did each NFL team grade out now that the Super Bowl is over?

By Rucker Haringey

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls out on a pass play in the AFC Divisional Playoff against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls out on a pass play in the AFC Divisional Playoff against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 16: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions talks to Quandre Diggs #28 on the sideline as defensive line coach Bo Davis looks on during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 16: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions talks to Quandre Diggs #28 on the sideline as defensive line coach Bo Davis looks on during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Detroit Lions-C-

Some Lions fans entered this season with high expectations, but Detroit’s roster was never poised for greatness. Matt Patricia didn’t do a great job in his first season at the helm, but the team’s mediocrity really shouldn’t have been all that unexpected.

The most disconcerting thing about the Lions season was the inability of Matthew Stafford and company to move the ball. In previous seasons, Detroit could put up points even if they couldn’t stop anyone. This year that changed in an instant. The Lions only finished 25th in the NFL in scoring per game. Trading Golden Tate in the middle of the year didn’t help, but it’s possible this franchise needs to blow the offense up and start all over again.

The results of the defense were actually pretty encouraging. Patricia absolutely improved the Lions on that side of the ball. Finishing 10th in the NFL in yards per game was a solid return for the talent available on the Detroit roster. It’s easy to see that group improving next year if they can make some savvy additions via the draft and free agency.

Detroit’s immediate future comes down to whether or not Stafford can get this offense humming again. If he can, the Lions may be playoff-bound next year. If not, it may be time for a complete rebuild in the Motor City.

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