Former head coach of the Detroit Lions Matt Patricia has commented on the team’s achievements under current coach Dan Campbell, praising the incredible turnaround in Detroit.
Patricia, who led the Lions to a 13-29-1 record until being dismissed midway through the 2020 season, expressed his joy and pride for the franchise and its devoted fan base as the Lions continue to thrive under Campbell.
“I love Detroit. “I’m so happy for the fans,” Patricia said Thursday morning on NFL Network, before of the Lions’ Thursday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers.
“That fanbase, when you take a job and go to a city, really all you want to do as a coach is just go win for those people that are dying to have that and experience that. And I’m so happy for Dan and his staff and the players that are there, ownership. That city’s on fire right now. It’s great, it’s a lot of fun. I think it’s unbelievable what they’re doing.”
Patricia is particularly impressed with the culture that Campbell has built in Detroit, as well as the toughness instilled in the team. “I love how they’re playing the game,” Patricia said.
“(What) Dan has built, the culture he has brought in, the toughness that he has there.”
Patricia also had high praise for the Lions’ offensive line, which is led by Hank Fraley.
“I love offense, I love offensive line, Hank Fraley, what he’s done with those guys,” he commented.
“Ben Johnson, what he’s been able to do with the offense, those guys are phenomenal.”
Additionally, Patricia acknowledged the success of the Lions’ defense, which, despite dealing with injuries, has performed at a high level. “Defense is playing well. They’ve got some injuries they have to work through, but I think they will. They’re a well-coached team. Dave Fipp on special teams, he does a great job.”
Despite his previous struggles in Detroit, Patricia’s comments show genuine support for Campbell and the Lions. “I mean, love it, I think it’s great. Who doesn’t want the Lions to win? Like, this has been forever. Let’s go, let’s go win!”
With the Lions now one of the most exciting teams in the NFL, Patricia’s message of hope and support is a testament to the remarkable transformation the team has undergone. Fans, players, and coaches alike are eager to see how far the Lions can go in this thrilling season under Campbell’s leadership.
More News…
Bears CB Slapped with Fine for Provoking Jameson Williams Penalty
A matchup that looked great looking ahead to the season for Jameson Williams against Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson in Week 13, with just one catch (one one target) for eight yards for the Lions wide receiver when he was lined up against Stevenson on Thanksgiving Day.
Williams and Stevenson did have a separate interaction on another play in the game though. With less than 10 minutes left in the Thanksgiving Day game, Williams was forced out of bounds on the Bears’ sideline with Stevenson nearby.
Williams drew a 15-yard penalty for throwing the ball at Stevenson, hitting him in the face to boot, which he took full ownership of as a bad mistake right after the game. The penalty could been costly for the Lions, as they had to settle for a field goal on that drive, if not for the Bears completely botching the end of their final drive.
Stevenson clearly said something somewhat untoward to Williams, prompting Williams to say something back to him and throw the ball at him. The accuracy of the throw was almost too good to be fully intended, but the “second guy always gets caught” rule clearly applied when Williams drew a flag.
Upon closer review. Stevenson also clearly tripped Williams after he was out of bounds. The league office stood a good chance to notice that as unsportsmanlike, as well as an attempt to injure, when they took a closer look at the play. The fact Stevenson was not even in the game adds an ironic layer to the situation.
It seemed unlikely Williams would draw any further penalty for the play in question when fines were doled league-wide out for Week 13 indiscretions. That was confirmed on Saturday, but Stevenson did draw a notable fine.
Stevenson was fined $19,697 for tripping Williams. That’s a bigger fine than, as an example, Lions safety Brian Branch has received for anything he’s been singularly fined for this season. The league found Stevenson was in the wrong and Williams was not, as any objective analysis of the play would have confirmed.
