The question here refers to Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni and his influence on the team and scheme. Pasqualoni sometimes gets forgotten because of the defensive nature and orientation of head coach Matt Patricia.
It’s a common question, and a difficult one to answer with the practice sessions being largely closed to the media. After consulting with a couple of fellow reporters who cover the Lions and from my own observations and impressions, here’s my take:
Pasqualoni is more of a sounding board and consigliere for Patricia than an actual decision-maker for the Lions. It’s Matt Patricia’s defense we’re seeing and it’s the head coach who makes the in-game decisions on calls.
That’s not to say Pasqualoni has no influence or purpose, even on game days. Patricia clearly trusts him and respects his defensive coordinator, and they do see football things largely the same way. If Pasqualoni sees something, he will get into Patricia’s ear and impact change. They are frequently conversing during games, and Pasqualoni is often talking as much as Patricia is during the defensive huddles along the sidelines.
But the larger function for Pasqualoni is to convey Patricia’s vision and scheme to the players during the week. Patricia has made no secret he’d love to be more hands-on with the defense in practices, but being the head coach doesn’t afford him that kind of time. Pasqualoni gets that assignment. His background as a college coach and mentality are that of a teacher, and that influence can be seen on Jahlani Tavai, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Tracy Walker in their development and growth as young players.
