While offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and quarterback Matthew Stafford were hold overs from the last Lions’ regime, defensive-minded head coach Matt Patricia was the new hire. Widely regarded as Bill Belichick’s right hand that always has a yellow pencil on his ear, it’s time for Patricia to prove that he can lead a defense without his mentor.
In 2017, the Detroit Lions were the 27th-ranked defense, in terms of yards. They have no where to go but up this upcoming season under Patricia. Defensive stars Glover Quin, Ezekiel Ansah, Darius Slay and Jarrad Davis will be the names to watch for the Lions in 2018 to see if they can really turn their defensive play around.