Embed from Getty Images He has called plays for a Super Bowl champion. He has called plays for a Super Bowl loser. Through all of that Darrell Bevell, may be the right guy for the Detroit Lions.
Darrell Bevell, is considered to be a “Quarterback friendly” coach. That is good news as he will be tasked to get Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford back on track after a rough and disastrous 2018 NFL season.
At 49 years old Bevell has already made a name for himself. He was Pete Carroll’s offensive coordinator in Seattle for the Seahawks. He made one of the worst calls in Super Bowl history. That was not enough to scare the Detroit Lions away.
Not calling for a run and winning the game he called pass it was intercepted and the New England Patriots walked away with the Lombardi trophy. An uncomfortable spotlight to be sure.
Darrell Bevell, runs a sort of hybrid of the West Coast offense yet it hinges on a running game which goes against the grain of being a true West Coast system. He has enjoyed success at both the college and NFL level.
Bevell sat out last football season and is said to be recharged for the upcoming season. Matt Patricia elected to not renew the contract of now former offensive play caller Jim Bob Cooter. As Cooter system became predictable.
Bevell, comes to the Motor City with some nice pieces to both work with and build around. Not to mention quarterback Matthew Stafford who general manager Bob Quinn recently said the team can win a Super Bowl with.
Detroit Lions rookie running back Kerryon Johnson will be spotlighted in Bevell’s offense. Also at coach Bevell’s disposal is Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay. Kenny reached 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in in carrer.
Matt Patricia, who is a firm believer in a ball control offense from his days as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator. Patricia watched as the Patriots ran the ball effectively which set quarterback Tom Brady up for high percentage passes.
With Bevell that is what is coming to Detroit. It is a philosophy that on paper should pay high dividends for the Lions. There will be some growing pains as players learn the new system.
Bringing in Bevell quickly was a wise choice. As mini camps and rookie camp opens players will be able to pick up the new offense not to mention the preseason. Those games will not be throw away games for the Lions. They will be learning and applying games.
