It's 'Business as Normal' for Matt Patricia and Lions

Lions continue their preparation for the Oakland Raiders during uneventful trade deadline

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

What was a day chalk full of trade speculation turned out to be uneventful for Bob Quinn & Co. on Tuesday. 

Along the way, there were reports of potential trades and players that suddenly became available. 

Names such as Jets running back Le'Veon Bell and safety Jamal Adams, cornerback Darius Slay and Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams excited onlookers that wondered how the deadline would impact their favorite squad.

Nothing ended up materializing, though. 

For the Lions, it was "business as normal," according to Detroit head man Matt Patricia. 

The Lions coaching staff spent Tuesday preparing for a Raiders team that the staff reportedly does not know that well.

"Really for us, I think it was just a normal day for the coaches -- which was great," Patricia said. "I think everybody knows (that) we’re here, every team makes calls (and) every team took calls. That’s what happens on these days."

He added, "Obviously, with such little movement taking place out there, I think everybody can really understand the right situations always have to come up in order to get something done. And for us, we were just focused on Oakland. It’s really been a good day so far."

Does a head coach have to check in with players that are mentioned in trade rumors? 

"I always talk to the players individually, and obviously, I have personal relationships with everybody," Patricia expressed. "And any sort of concerns or questions, those guys will obviously just speak to me individually and privately. But for us, it was really just a normal day, really just a normal day." 

Many supporters of the Lions expressed frustration that the team did not make improvements to the roster before Tuesday's trade deadline. 

There are glaring weaknesses on the roster that have been widely reported on. 

With reports having circulated that the team could have been buyers at the deadline, some felt the Lions should target help for the running game, a suitable replacement at safety for Quandre Diggs or at the very least, additional depth due to the recent spate of injuries.

Patricia was asked Tuesday about the disappointment some were feeling since the organization stood pat.

Patricia made it clear that the current members of the roster are trying to improve and compete daily. 

"I mean, we’re just really focused on Oakland," Patricia commented. "I like our team, like I said. We’re trying to go out and improve every single week. We’re always trying to compete, always trying to get better -- certainly, so are the other 31 teams in the league." 

With the trade deadline having passed, it's back to "business as normal" for the Lions.