Give credit to Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin for saying what everyone is thinking.
The Lions coaching is making way too many preventable mistakes. None is more glaring than only having 10 defensive players on the field for three different plays in the last two games, both losses. That includes a long TD run by Vikings RB Dalvin Cook.
Undlin shouldered the blame in his press conference with reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s embarrassing, is what it is. I would say this: It’s just poor, poor coaching is what it is,” Undlin said.
Undlin then proceeded to give a rather lengthy explanation of the communication breakdown and confusion that has caused the problem. He absolved safety Duron Harmon of blame while acknowledging that he respected Harmon for trying to take responsibility.
The gruff-voiced Undlin once again pointed the finger at himself,
“…the remedy is not to let it happen again. I know I said that last week. I failed you guys at that. I failed the players at that. But ultimately, it comes back to me.”
It’s a particularly sensitive flashpoint for the Lions. Former head coach Jim Caldwell was vehemently criticized for failing to field an 11-man defense late in his tenure, and the defensive-minded coaching staff led by Matt Patricia was entrusted to do better. It has not happened.
