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Lions Looking For Better Start Than 2018

A better start is on everyone's mind in Detroit.

The Lions open the season at Arizona, hoping to perform far better than they did last year when the New York Jets won big in Matt Patricia's debut as head coach. The roster and coaching staff have been tweaked in an effort to improve on the 6-10 record from 2018.

New York Jets v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Andre Roberts #19 of the New York Jets dodges a tackle from Marquis Flowers #59 of the Detroit Lions in the second half at Ford Field on September 10, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

"The first game of the season is always really difficult just in general because you're not really sure what teams have worked on through the spring," Patricia said Monday. "And I would say the first month of the season (is difficult), especially as you play teams that have changed (with) turnover in the roster and coaching staff."

Detroit's defense, which enters its second season under coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, faces the challenge of the unknown with Arizona's new head coach Kliff Kingsbury and rookie quarterback Kyler Murray. The core of the Lions' defense returns, with a few new pieces, including defensive linemen Mike Daniels and Tre Flowers.

Detroit Lions v Minnesota Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 4: Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia and Paul Pasqualoni on the sidelines in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

"I think we're much more familiar with what the system is, fitting pieces, trying to get the right guys on the bus and getting them in the right seat, so to speak," Pasqualoni said Monday. "I think that's a process."

He expects a no-huddle, wide-open, up-tempo spread from the Cardinals' offense.

"It stretches you this way horizontally," he said, holding holds his arms out wide, "and they stretch you vertically based on the speed of what they have, in Kyler Murray's ability to throw the ball; he can throw the ball deep."

Versatile Arizona running back David Johnson adds another twist.

Arizona Cardinals v Minnesota Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 24: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals hands the ball off to David Johnson #31 in the first quarter of the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

"You put too many resources into the pass, and the run hurts you. You put too many resources into the run, and the pass hurts you," Pasqualoni said.

New coordinator Darrell Bevell has changed the Lions' offense, which could hold a few surprises for the Cardinals.

Bevell will depend heavily on the run, with Kerryon Johnson leading the way. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, entering his 11th season, needs to understand the ins and outs of the new offensive philosophy.

New England Patriots v Detroit Lions
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 8: Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell calls plays during the second quarter of the preseason game against the New England Patriots at Ford Field on August 8, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

"We're looking for Matthew to be able to run the show, just be able to be the master of the offense, get us all into good situations, keep us out of bad situations, and make smart decisions," Bevell said.

Protecting Stafford will be key.

"That's a good front obviously, with the two rushers they have on the edge. That's the first thing that jumps out at you with Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs, that's where it starts," Bevell said. "That tells you they want to be able to get after the passer, they're going to be always in the game when they're in their base defense, but also when they're in the nickel defense with those two edge rushers."

The Lions' reworked offense features three new tight ends, including first-round pick T.J. Hockenson. Bevell said that position is a clear upgrade from last season.

"The cool thing about (Hockenson) is he's kind of come in and it hasn't been too big for him," Bevell said. "He hasn't been that wide-eyed rookie; he's taken it all in stride."

NOTES: No updates were given on starting middle linebacker Jarrad Davis and center Frank Ragnow, who were injured in the preseason. The Lions will issue their first injury report after Wednesday's practice. Rookie DE Austin Bryant was placed on injured reserve Monday and tight end Logan Thomas was re-signed to the 53-man roster. Bryant, who was injured in training camp, will be eligible to contribute in Week 9 if reactivated. Thomas was released on Sunday to make room on the 53-man roster to sign free agent running back J.D. McKissic.

© 2019 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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