Fansided

Lions need Matthew Stafford to rebound for hopeful campaign

By Steven Mullenax

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 30: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions lines up for a play in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 30: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions lines up for a play in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Widely expected to finish fourth in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions need Matthew Stafford to play some of his best football.

Best-case scenario

The Lions have invested heavily in second-year head coach Matt Patricia. And after a disappointing 6-10 first season under the former New England Patriots defensive coordinator, the Lions’ front office doubled-down on Patricia this offseason signing high-priced free agents and drafting rookies who match his multiple defensive scheme.

The best-case for the Lions is if they pull the same move the Chicago Bears did last year, going worst-to-first in the NFC North. If the Lions were able to improve enough to climb out of the basement in one of the most competitive divisional in all of football, it would go a long way in reassuring ownership and a fearful fanbase that Patricia’s methods are actually working.

Worst-case scenario

Despite the fact Patricia was hired to be the Lions head coach just last year, he could already be on the hot seat in the Motor City. If Detroit underperforms again this season, considering the massive investments that have been made, ownership may decide to part ways with both Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn as their fates are undoubtedly intertwined.

The outcome of the upcoming season could result in a scorched Earth-level regime change that might set the franchise back for several years to come. The Lions undoubtedly face an uphill battle to best their previous 6-10 record with many playoff-caliber teams on their upcoming schedule. And another sub .500 result could spark the franchise into rebuilding mode.

Confidence level (Low, medium or high)

Low.

The immediate success of the Lions has been laid squarely on the shoulders of Patricia and his experience learning under one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history, Bill Belichick. Can Patricia succeed where other Belichick disciples have failed?

After his first season in the Motor City, the hard-nosed second-year head coach failed to match the success of his predecessor, Jim Caldwell. Patricia was handed a playoff-caliber team in Detroit and abruptly sent them spiraling into the basement of the division. The high investments made this offseason must pay off in the win column this year or the catcalls for Patricia’s job will be justified and only get louder.

X-Factor

Kerryon Johnson.

The Lions have found success in recent seasons all but ignoring the running game, instead relying solely on the arm and fourth-quarter heroics of Stafford. But last season, the emergence of Johnson gave fans hope of seeing the team field their most balanced offense in recent memory.

New offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell helped elevate running backs like Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch to Hall of Fame careers. The Lions undoubtedly hope Bevell will do the same with Johnson and take Motown’s offense to new heights by staying more grounded.

Turning point

Week 3 at Philadelphia.

Only two years removed from a Super Bowl title, the revamped Eagles appear set to reclaim their status as one of the toughest teams in the NFL. The Lions will face three playoff teams before their Week 5 bye,  the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, the Eagles, and then the Kansas City Chiefs. The only away matchup within that span being in Philly. If the Lions can win on the road against the Eagles, the momentum could carry them through a very tough early portion of their schedule.

Best moment in team history

So much of the Lions angst surrounds their lack of playoff wins. Since their victory in the NFL world championships back in 1957, the Lions have won just a single playoff game. But that lone postseason victory was against an up-and-coming Dallas Cowboys team back in 1991.

Dallas possessed the now-famous Triplets of quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin. Despite their future Hall of Fame presence, Detroit was able to blow out the Cowboys to the tune of 38-6 in the Divisional Round, ushering Detroit into an NFC Championship Game against the Washington Redskins. That playoff victory remains one of the top moments in franchise history.