The first summer NFL power poll from our friends at Touchdown Wire is now out. If Lions fans are hoping for praise and optimism for the team after an active offseason of moves, this poll is probably going to disappoint.
Detroit checks in at No. 26 on the list. That is upward movement from finishing 30th in the NFL in 2019, but it’s not a significant climb. In fact, most of the teams they leapfrogged (Carolina, Jacksonville, New York Jets) have fallen more on their own issues than anything great Detroit has done.
The explanation begins with some bitterness that is a common national perception of the Lions under GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia,
Head coach Matt Patricia’s strategy of late has mirrored what most former Bill Belichick assistants have done — get rid of your best players who talk too much, and fill the roster with as many Patriots castoffs as possible.
It’s not all grim, but it’s clear just how much is riding on a healthy Matthew Stafford returning under center in 2020,
“the only way the Lions will ascend their 3-12-1 record in 2020 is for Matthew Stafford to return from his injury-shortened 2019 season and play at the career peak he was before a back injury limited him to just eight games.”
The Chiefs, Ravens, 49ers, Saints and Buccaneers are the top five. Cincinnati, Washington and the Jets are the bottom three.