These 5 Detroit Lions Know Just How Bad It Was
In the ever-evolving world of NFL rosters, the Detroit Lions‘ transformation since the end of the Quinntricia era has been nothing short of dramatic. As we head into the fourth year of General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell‘s tenure, it’s clear that the remnants of the team’s previous management have almost entirely faded away. The drastic overhaul is evident as we examine the team’s 53-man roster from the last game of 2020, revealing that only five players from that roster remain with the team today.
The Quinntricia Era
The era under former GM Bob Quinn and Coach Matt Patricia, often referred to derisively as “Quinntricia,” left Lions fans yearning for change. The management style and team performance during this period led to widespread dissatisfaction among the fanbase. By the end of 2020, it was clear a new direction was needed.
A New Direction Under Holmes and Campbell
Holmes and Campbell have since taken the reins, and their impact on the team composition has been profound. From a roster that once bore the imprint of Quinn and Patricia, only a handful of players remain:
- Taylor Decker – Starting offensive tackle
- Frank Ragnow – Starting center
- Dan Skipper – Role player on the offensive line
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin – Linebacker/Special Teams who briefly left and then returned to the team
- Jack Fox – Stud Punter
The Complete Roster Overhaul
The extent of the roster overhaul is stark when considering the rest of the players from the 2020 squad have moved on. Names like Matthew Stafford and Marvin Jones Jr. have found new homes, and even promising talents such as Jeff Okudah and D’Andre Swift are no longer part of the Lions’ plans. This overhaul isn’t just about changing faces; it’s about setting a new course and culture for the franchise.
Looking to the Future
This transformation highlights the decisive and forward-thinking approach of Holmes and Campbell. They haven’t just been reactive; they’ve proactively shaped the roster in their vision, aligning it with their strategy of building a competitive and resilient team. Their actions suggest a deep commitment to turning the Detroit Lions into a formidable force in the NFL.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Significant Roster Overhaul: Since the transition from the management of Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia to Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell, the Detroit Lions have undergone a dramatic overhaul. Out of the 60 players on the 2020 roster, only five remain with the team, highlighting the extensive changes made to reshape the team’s identity and performance.
- Remaining Players: The few players who remain from the Quinntricia era include Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Dan Skipper, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Jack Fox. This small group underscores the continuity in key positions like the offensive line and special teams, while also illustrating the selectiveness of retaining personnel under the new management.
- Holmes and Campbell’s Vision: The near-complete roster turnover reflects the strategic vision of Holmes and Campbell, focusing on building a competitive and cohesive team aligned with their football philosophy. Their approach has not only changed the composition of the team but also aimed to establish a new culture and direction for the franchise.
Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions of today are almost unrecognizable from the team just a few years ago, with nearly the entire roster revamped. Only five players from the final game of the Quinntricia era remain, underscoring the dramatic changes implemented by Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. This isn’t just a new chapter for the Lions; it’s practically a whole new book, and it’s one that promises exciting possibilities for the future.
