ALLEN PARK, Michigan -- Darrell Bevell started this endeavor less than a month ago with optimism and energy. He had to be himself, he said. It was the only way he believed this would work.
In the ways most figured, it has gone exactly as expected. The Detroit Lions are where they figured to be whether it was Bevell as the interim head coach or his former boss, Matt Patricia, still running things. Another losing season. Another playoff elimination.
But things have changed for the Lions since Patricia was fired on Nov. 28, two days after Thanksgiving.