Detroit Lions Weblog

Manafacturing a Winning Team Psyche

During the 4th quarter of Sunday’s game, the Lions Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry was coaching up a storm while pacing the sidelines.   As the Broncos marched down the field, Barry was fuming.   He was trying to rally his troops, so that they would not bend, and allow Denver to gain a cheap, late score.   During that drive, CB LaMarcus Hicks, who rarely, if ever will see any playing time, committed a costly pass interference penalty.   Smoke poured from out of Barry’s ears.  The Lions even had the audacity to throw out a challenge flag during that drive.

What was with all of this ado?   The Lions had a comfortable, insurmountable lead.   Shouldn’t they have begun their sideline celebration prematurely in spite of what was happening on the field?   Did the Lions want to embarass Denver?   No, Barry, in lock step with Rod Marinelli, is actually building a foundation and attempting to transform a team’s psyche.

The Lions coaching staff couldn’t very well expect their charges to play “one snap a time” or “keep pounding” the proverbial “rock” if they themselves didn’t display the same type of discipline and focus, regardless of the game’s score.

This was no dog and pony exercise in putting on airs, either.   I do believe, that Marinelli, and his coaching staff, have the passion, laser-like focus, and unshakeable commitment necessary to change the course of the Lions franchise.

Not only in good times, either.  What is most remarkable, in an already surprising season, is that when the Lions have failed(and failed mightily I might add) this season the coaches have been unwavering and have pressed the team forward, in spite of all of the attendant baggage that comes with being members of an organization that has failed often during it’s recent history.

The Lions will face many difficulties ahead.   Week-to-week life in the NFL is arduous, and that is why the Lions coaches stress the importance of facing the task at hand, and only that.    In their eyes, if the team’s focus shifts, even a little, the results could be disastrous.  

As the season progresses, and the Lions enjoy some success, the expectations will only grow and the challenges will increase.  For the first time in a long while, I am beginning to believe that the Lions are equipped with the leadership and character to pull them through.