Mike Daniels didn’t have the kind of season anyone wanted in 2019. His first season in Detroit was hindered by injuries and an inability to find a true role in Matt Patricia’s defense. But the veteran defensive tackle looks back quite fondly at the team, his Detroit teammates and the Lions locker room culture.
In an engaging interview with Bruce Murray and Brady Quinn on Sirius XM NFL Radio, Daniels talked about his on-field disappointment in Detroit.
“I couldn’t control my playing time, is the best way I can put it,” Daniels said. “When I was out there I did what I felt was productive.”
He noted Pro Football Focus still rated him as one of the most productive pass rushers in terms of win rate at his position despite the injuries and the inconsistent playing time.
Daniels then turned to the locker room and culture in Detroit. Asked by Quinn to contrast the situation in Detroit against his prior years in Green Bay, Daniels quickly defended Detroit.
“Locker room was awesome. Definitely enjoyed my teammates there. That was one of the hardest-working group of guys I’ve ever played with. It’s unfortunate that things went the way they went outside of a lot of guys’ control. But when you really see just how hard those guys are working, it was very encouraging.”
Daniels continued,
“That defense, seeing how those guys worked and practiced, worked so hard. It’s just unfortunate that things didn’t go the way that we wanted them. But that locker room was amazing … I truly enjoyed my time with those guys.”
He left the door open to return to Detroit, and also Green Bay, as he trains in his fully-equipped home gym in Michigan.