4. Hold Opponents Below 23 Points Per Game

Last season, Detroit’s defense allowed 26.4 points per game, the seventh-most in the NFL. Patricia was a defensive wizard in New England, where he served under Bill Belichick. However, Patricia hasn’t boosted Detroit’s defense, and it’s been one of the NFL’s worst units.

Detroit went backwards defensively from 2018 to 2019. After only allowing 335 yards and 22.5 points per game in 2018, the Lions allowed 400.4 yards per game this past season. That number ranked 31st in the NFL, only leading the Arizona Cardinals. Patricia also played a role in alienating veterans like Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay and defensive tackle Damon Harrison.

The Lions lost seven games by one touchdown or less in 2019 and tied Arizona in Week 1. Five of those losses also came by a field goal or less. If Detroit’s defense put up any semblance of resistance, the Lions could win eight or nine games.

Patricia’s team added Julian Okwara and Jeff Okudah in the draft. Detroit also made moves in free agency, signing Jamie Collins Danny Shelton, and Desmond Trufant. Despite these additions, Detroit’s defense lacks the talent necessary to compete with the NFL’s elite offenses.