Given the logistical challenges of having players and coaches all over the country in various states of local quarantines, the Detroit Lions and head coach Matt Patricia chose a simpler path in Phase 1 of the team’s offseason activities. The Lions used the initial three-day session last week as an extended teaching seminar rather than a supervised workout.
With several new players and a new defensive coordinator in Cory Undlin, getting everyone on the same page in knowledge is Patricia’s priority. He explained why to the Detroit Free Press.
“We decided to go with the classroom,” Patricia said, “because I thought the teaching was some of the most important things that we need to do now, not only for the players but for the coaches. We have a lot of new coaches and we have a lot of new stuff that’s going in. And quite frankly, the spring is a great time not only for the players but for the coaches to get better being coaches.”
It’s an extension of the emphasis on teaching players that was evident during Senior Bowl practices in January. Patricia and the Lions coached the North squad and the third-year head coach clearly embraced and enjoyed teaching the young prospects.
Players have the ability to work out on their own and in small groups they organize themselves, so using the full team time to educate the players on what the Lions want from everyone makes sense.
Patricia also stated the emphasis on teaching will extend into Phase 2, which begins on May 11th.
