The Detroit Lions were able to get a massive piano off their backs on Sunday afternoon against the Arizona Cardinals, winning by a 26-23 final score thanks to a last second field goal from kicker Matt Prater.
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Head coach Matt Patricia, who has found himself in the crosshairs of the fanbase, isn’t allowing himself to get caught up in the emotions following a much-needed victory.
It was the first win for Patrica and the Lions since October of 2019, a span of 11 games and nearly a full calendar year.
“I don’t ride the roller coaster,” Patricia said Monday during media availability. “I just have to stay consistent. I think it’s hard to lead if you ride the roller coaster.”
“I think it’s hard to exist in this world of competitive football if you ride that roller coaster because I think when you do that, you just hope it stops when you’re at the high point and not the down point.”
The roller coaster of emotions on a team that had previously dropped 11 straight dating back to last season can certainly provide a quick high after finally breaking that streak, though Patricia is being careful not to allow any potential good feelings interfere with his preparation for next week.
However, he certainly felt good for his players.
“Just happy for the players,” he said. “In the locker room, you could just feel the joy.”
The Lions will get a chance to continue that joyful feeling Sunday when they take on Drew Brees and the the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Ford Field.
– – Quotes via Larry Lage of the AP Link – –
