NFL Power Rankings: Chiefs, 49ers advance to Super Bowl 54
By Dan Parzych
Detroit Lions. 32. team. 50. . . Previous: 32nd
After starting the 2019 season with a 2-0-1 record, the Detroit Lions appeared to be heading towards becoming a sleeper contender in the NFC before it all fell apart following September.
Just how rough did things get for the Lions during the final three months of action?
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Well, the fact that Detroit finished the year with a 3-12-1 record shows how much work this team has to do in the offseason to make sure they avoid another season of missing out on the playoffs in 2020.
Unfortunately, the Lions can’t even use the excuse of Matthew Stafford dealing with a back injury since Detroit was already struggling before the quarterback was placed on IR.
Whether it seems unfair or not, there’s no question that Matt Patricia will enter the 2020 season already on the hot seat since he was previously hired two years ago with the intention of making Detroit a playoff contender right away.
Once Stafford gets fully healthy during the offseason, there’s every reason to believe the Lions will be able to bounce back as a top contender in 2020, although this will be easier said than done.
At least if Detroit can put together a successful offseason by taking advantage of free agency and the draft, it will put Patricia in better position to help the team pull this off.