Lions players downplay talk of tension with Matt Patricia
It’s been one week and the Detroit Lions are already in turmoil.
On Wednesday, two of the team’s most prominent players downplayed reports that some of the team’s veterans were growing disgruntled with coach Matt Patricia’s more aggressive style of coaching.
Appearing on NFL Network, Lions safety Glover Quin said you can’t keep everyone happy and attributed the chatter to the ugly loss on Monday night.
A more extensive version of Glover Quin's comments on the NFL Network report that some Lions veterans are unhappy with aspects of Matt Patricia's approach: pic.twitter.com/eFWgjmfwFx
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) September 12, 2018
Quarterback Matthew Stafford said he was appreciative of Patricia’s more demanding methods.
Matthew Stafford on Matt Patricia's coaching style: "I appreciate it." Said every coach he's had here (Schwartz/Caldwell/Patricia) has been different. Called him both "fiery" and "aggressive." https://t.co/VDCrO3JnNc
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) September 12, 2018
The Lions are going from Jim Caldwell, widely regarded as a more genial players’ coach, to Patricia, a student of the Patriot Way. It’s easy for a guy like Bill Belichick to run a tight ship as he has the resume to back up his methods. Patricia doesn’t yet. If wins start coming Patricia’s way, we probably won’t hear many more complaints like this. If they keep looking like they did in a widely mocked Monday night drubbing, things will likely only get louder.
