Is Matt Patricia Concerned with Lions' Ability to Close Out Games?

Lions head man Matt Patricia discusses losing leads late in games the last two weeks

©Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions have lost a portion of the momentum that they started the season with due to consecutive losses to the Chiefs and Packers.

In both games, the Lions led late in the fourth quarter, and were unable to secure the victory.

In Week 4 against the Chiefs, the Lions were leading, 30-27, with 2:20 to play in the fourth quarter. 

The Lions had taken the lead via a Matthew Stafford touchdown pass to receiver Kenny Golladay. 

End Result 

The Chiefs were able to secure the 34-30 road victory with a 13-play, 79-yard drive that took 2:06 and was capped off by a Darrel Williams one-yard touchdown run.

Lions Suffer Devastating Loss on Monday Night Football  

On Monday night against the Packers, the Lions were leading, 22-20, when Aaron Rodgers and the Packers took over possession. 

There was 6:46 left in the game, following a Sam Martin punt to the Packers 18-yard line. 

End Result

The Packers, led by Rodgers, went on a 14-play, 77-yard drive that was capped off by a game-winning field goal from Mason Crosby. They beat the Lions, 23-22.   

Is Lions head coach Matt Patricia concerned regarding difficulties closing out games?

According to Patricia, it's something the Lions have to do a better job of moving forward.

"We understand there are a lot of factors that go into closing out a game," Patricia said. "Some of it happens earlier in the game, some of it happens later. That’s part of the process right now of trying to improve as a football team. It's identifying some areas we think we can get better at. For us, that’s part of the work. That’s part of the improvement. I’ll say it definitely felt like it had been a while since we had played last night. I think at the end of the game, we have to stay focused. We have to stay dialed in, and we have to make sure we finish it the right way, both coaching and playing. And I think everybody knows that.”

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