Inside the Iggles
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Philadelphia Eagles 2019: Lions expert reveals their strengths, weaknesses

By Geoffrey Knox

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 15: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions reacts after a first down in the fourth quarter while playing the Los Angeles Chargers at Ford Field on September 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 15: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions reacts after a first down in the fourth quarter while playing the Los Angeles Chargers at Ford Field on September 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 15: Detroit Lions Head Football Coach Matt Patricia watches the action during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Ford Field on September 15, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 15: Detroit Lions Head Football Coach Matt Patricia watches the action during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Ford Field on September 15, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

ITI: What is the perception of  Matt Patricia and this team in the Lions’ fan base and around the ‘Motor City’? Does anyone believe this team isn’t the worst in their division?

Mullenax: Certainly, Matt Patricia has failed to live up to early expectations considering his predecessor, Jim Caldwell, was able to lead the Lions to the playoffs twice in four seasons. Keep in mind the fact that Caldwell did it with nearly the same roster. Then again, maybe Caldwell’s was worse.

Even with that being said, there remains some hope that Patricia’s championship pedigree and old school methods will transform Detroit into a perennial playoff contender. His presence was able to attract quality free agents to the ‘Motor City’ like defensive end Trey Flowers, cornerback Justin Coleman, and defensive tackle Mike Daniels this offseason.

Still, the former Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator’s reputation has certainly lost some luster after a disappointing 6-10 rookie season, and he must show improvement in 2019.

As far as being the worst team in the division last year, the Chicago Bears were in the basement of the NFC North in 2017 before ascending to become the division champions last year. The Lions are hoping to do the same.

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