It’s no surprise that Matt Patricia’s press conference today featured questions about the decision to trade Golden Tate. Not only is Tate a fan favorite, but he’s also been a productive member of the team since signing back in 2014.
Patricia kicked the presser off with a statement about the trade and then opened it up to questions.
Matt Patricia opens up his presser with a statement on Tate. Said yesterday wasn't an easy day. Team tried to make the best decision going forward, not just for the immediate. Said he talked to Tate at length yesterday to make sure he was OK with everything.
— Justin Rogers | Detroit News (@Justin_Rogers) October 31, 2018
The first question was a zinger, asking why the decision was made to trade Tate while the Lions are only 1 game back in the NFC North.
Matt Patricia, when asked why Detroit would trade its No. 1 receiver when its just 1 game out of first place: "Taking a look at the holistic approach."
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) October 31, 2018
Patricia defended the decision saying the move should be taken as a sign of faith in the players still with the franchise.
Matt Patricia said he believes this move shows "a lot of confidence" in the players in the receiver room. Said he spoke with the locker room about it.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) October 31, 2018
As you’d expect, Patricia was eager to move on from questions about Tate and focus more on this week’s upcoming game with the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings.
Matt Patricia on the message he gave the locker room after trading Golden Tate: This also shows a lot of confidence in the players that are in that room … Now, it's time to turn the page, get ready for Minnesota
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) October 31, 2018
If you’re interested you can watch the entire press conference:
#OnePride LIVE: Matt Patricia is with the media https://t.co/IwAnITbnSp
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 31, 2018
Check out the bonus content below in preparation for this Sunday’s matchup between the Lions and the Vikings.
Bonus Content
Today in Detroit Sports History – October 31, 1993 – Detroit Lions storm back to shock Vikings
25 years ago today, the 5-2 Detroit Lions traveled to Minneapolis to take on the 4-2 Minnesota Vikings. A pivotal NFC North battle ensued that would pave the way for the Detroit Lions to march their way to the playoffs. WR Herman Moore would turn out to provide a memorable catch in this contest.
This incarnation of our loveable Lions had an offensive attack led by Barry Sanders, Herman Moore, and Rodney Peete. Sanders, Detroit’s all-time leading rusher, was not the catalyst in this game. The Vikings had Sanders hamstrung as it was their game plan to stop him. Barry had 64 yards on 16 carries, 42 of them on one play.
Minnesota went into halftime with a 17-13 lead on the back of Sean Salisbury’s two touchdown throws, one to A.C. (Anthony Carter) and Cris Carter. Detroit’s lone 1st half touchdown came on a “Big Play” Willie Clay 39-yard fumble return. The offense was sputtering.
The 3rd quarter was not much better for our Lions as they gave up 10 more points while only running 12 offensive plays. At the end of the 3rd, Minnesota held a 27-13 lead. The game was out of Detroit’s hands.
Then the 4th quarter happened. On the first play from scrimmage, QB Rodney Peete rolled out and fired 40 yards downfield to a wide open WR Herman Moore, who took it the rest of the way for a 93-yard touchdown. The longest reception of Moore’s career.
To read the rest of the article, please click on the link below.
https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-lions-news/jaywgoc/today-detroit-sports-history-october-31-1993-detroit-lions-comeback-victory/10-2018/198009/