Caroline Perry
Managing Executive Editor
The New England Patriots took a 10-26 loss against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 23.
Matt Patricia, who served 14 seasons as the assistant coach for the Patriots, including six seasons as the defensive coordinator, beat mentor Bill Belichick, seemingly making all the right moves.
The Lions quickly unveiled the Patriots weaknesses, creating holes for rookie running back Kerryon Johnson and giving Matthew Stafford time to pass.
On top of that, running back Kerryon Johnson had 101 yards rushing on 16 carries, becoming the first player to reach the mark for the Lions since Reggie Bush ran for 117 yards against Green Bay on November 28, 2013.
The Patriots (1-2) have had weaknesses exposed on both sides of the ball, losing two of their first three games for the first time since 2012. New England took a 20-31 loss against the Jackson Jaguars the week before. That bad streak has rolled over, creating slow start for the Patriots.
The Patriots slow start is similar to when they started 2-2 in 2017 and still reached Super Bowl 52.
It seems that catching the Patriots earlier in the season increases the chances of defeating them, or at least that’s what everyone thinks.
However, Brady and Belichick are more than accustomed to rumors and speculation, and they are one of the most successful quarterback-coach combinations in NFL history.
Detroit’s defense forced three-and-outs on each of New England’s first three possessions, the Lions’ offense marched up and down the field to establish a 13-0 lead, and the Lions led 13-3 at the half.
After quarterback Matthew Stafford’s interception to start the second half – his only mistake of the game turning into a Tom Brady touchdown. However Stafford came right back and hit Marvin Jones Jr. on a 33-yard touchdown to extend the lead back to double digits. Detroit’s defense took over from there, not allowing another point in the game.
The Patriots entered the game 17-1 in their last 18 games following a double-digit loss the week before. Make that 17-2 after a double-digit loss last week to Jacksonville and another Sunday night to Detroit.
Brady pulled the Patriots within three points on a 10-yard TD pass to James White early in the third.
But Detroit refused to let the five-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback get any closer. Darius Slay picked off Brady’s pass at the Detroit 15 midway through the fourth quarter, helping the Lions seal the win.
The game came to an end, the Patriots falling 10-26.
Patricia weaved his way through the crowd to hug the man who helped him live a dream. When asked about his thoughts on Patricia’s win, Belichick was in no mood to reflect on his former defensive coordinator earning his first win. “My job is my football team,” said Belichick. “That’s what I’m worried about. That’s what I’m concerned about.”
Caroline Perry can be contacted at
cperry@ksequinox.com
