In a puzzling statement that left many scratching their heads, legendary New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick recently credited former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia for the team’s current success, specifically regarding their formidable offensive line.
Belichick, speaking on the “Let’s Go” podcast with Maxx Crosby, Peter King, and Jim Gray, commented, “The Lions have built a really good offensive line for their quarterback. They couldn’t get a lot of production in the red zone last week, but that’s something Matt Patricia started, and now they’re kind of getting the fruits of the labor from him.”
Fans of the Detroit Lions, who have been enjoying a resurgence under the leadership of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, were left in disbelief. Many felt the statement was an insult to the remarkable rebuild Holmes and Campbell have led, given that Patricia’s tenure in Detroit is widely regarded as one of the darkest periods in the team’s history.
From 2018 to 2020, Patricia led the Lions to a dismal 13-29-1 record, finishing last in the NFC North every season. His time in Detroit was marked by poor performance and player dissatisfaction. Many of the team’s top players, including Darius Slay and Quandre Diggs, openly criticized Patricia’s leadership, and the Lions’ culture suffered significantly under his rule.
Contrast that with the Lions’ current success. In just a few short years, Brad Holmes has expertly rebuilt the roster, drafting standout players like Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, while Campbell has energized the team with his passionate and player-focused coaching style. Their efforts have positioned the Lions as legitimate Super Bowl contenders for the first time in decades.
It’s true that some of the offensive line pieces, such as Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow, were drafted before Patricia’s arrival. However, the overwhelming success of this Lions team has come in the aftermath of his departure. Credit for the team’s improvement rightly belongs to Holmes, Campbell, and the players who have embraced a culture of winning.
Belichick’s loyalty to Patricia is understandable, given their history together in New England, but his attempt to connect the former coach to Detroit’s newfound success seems like a reach. For Lions fans, it’s clear that the team’s turnaround has nothing to do with Patricia’s disastrous era and everything to do with the leaders who came after him.
Detroit’s rise has been fueled by a competent front office, dynamic coaching, and a group of players who believe in the direction of the franchise. As the Lions continue their journey towards a Super Bowl, fans won’t forget the painful years under Patricia – and they certainly won’t be giving him credit for their current success.
