Matt Patricia failed in Detroit. The Lions went a combined 9-22-1 in Patricia's full two seasons at the helm and he was fired with six weeks to go in his third campaign.
But if you ask Bill Belichick, Patricia deserves some of the credit for the turnaround in Motor City as well as the team's ascent to one of the NFL's best.
On the latest episode of the "Let's Go!" podcast, Belichick was asked to spotlight the league's premier teams through two weeks of the 2024 season. The former New England Patriots head coach gave a shoutout to the Lions, and in doing so, gave preposterous praise to his longtime colleague.
"I think that the Lions have built a really good offensive line for their quarterback, and they couldn't get a lot of production in the red area last week but that's something that Matt Patricia started and now they're kind of getting the fruits of the labor from him," Belichick said, as transcribed by Detroit Free Press.
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This wasn't the first time Belichick and/or Patricia curiously patted themselves on the back this season. The former Patriots coaches also gave themselves credit for bringing in players who've become foundational pieces in New England.
There might have been a motive to the remarks, though, as both Belichick and Patricia very well could have aspirations to coach again in the NFL.
Featured image via Kirthmon F. Dozier via Imagn Content Services, LLC
