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New Lions GM will draw from The Patriot Way, but won't try to be Bill Belichick

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LATROBE, Pa. -- The conundrum facing Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn is a familiar, albeit complex one. It's a question faced by countless other football offspring of New England Patriots coach/oligarch Bill Belichick, and one navigated with generally middling results at best.

How much of Belichick's methods/philosophies/theories/practices/character/persona can one apply after being granted the nod of approval to leave New England's incubator, and how much simply won't translate? Without the genius of Belichick -- the evil genius some might suggest -- and without the greatness of quarterback Tom Brady and without the loyalty, influence and guile of owner Robert Kraft -- well, how much of the The Patriot Way will actually play well in other NFL locales, particularly those trying to rid the rot of decades of losing and decay?