Last offseason, the Detroit Lions seemed to have all the tools to return to the playoffs. Coming off a 9-7 year without a postseason berth, the Lions would appear to make positive changes that should have led to more success, not less.
The Lions still possessed the same explosive passing game, with quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm. Nothing really changed for this unit, even offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter remained despite a head coaching change.
Speaking of which, the addition of new head coach Matt Patricia figured to benefit the defense. Patricia was, after all, the former longtime defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.