Watch: Lions head coach Matt Patricia mic’d up for blowout vs. Jets As the Detroit Lions were getting pummeled on Monday night
Womens Jalen Reeves-Maybin Jersey , the ESPN production crew cut to many shots of head coach Matt Patricia, who looked stoic and silent as he watched his
head coaching debut spiral out of control.If you’re like me, you were probably
wondering, “What the hell is going on in his head right now?”Well, thanks to NFL
Films’ crew, we have at least a little idea of what was going on. Patricia,
along with Cardinals head coach Steven Wilks, were both mic’d up for their
coaching debuts, and it gives us a little taste as to what it’s like to be an
NFL coach for the first time, both in losing efforts.While you’d obviously like
to hear more of Patricia, this still gives you a pretty good look as to what his
sideline demeanor was like on Monday night. He wasn’t quite as intense as we’ve
seen him at practice, but he certainly did have his moments. It was also pretty
cool to see his family supporting him pregame and his mom a nervous wreck.
Regardless of what happened in the game, it was a nice reminder that Monday
night was a life’s goal achieved for Patricia. Let’s just hope next week he
notches another career accomplishment: his first NFL win. The Patriots tight end
sees a lot of promise in Detroit’s seventh-round pick." Detroit Lions
NewsDetroit Lions QuotesVeteran NFL tight end believes Detroit Lions rookie
Isaac Nauta has ‘bright future’New,39commentsThe Patriots tight end sees a lot
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for:Veteran NFL tight end believes Detroit Lions rookie Isaac Nauta has ‘bright
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Sportswire via Getty ImagesLife as a rookie in the NFL can be tough. For Detroit
Lions tight end Isaac Nauta, it may be particularly difficult. As a
seventh-round pick, the odds are already stacked against him
Theo Riddick Jersey White , and after the Lions went all-in on the tight end position this offseason—including spending the eighth overall pick on T.J.
Hockenson—the path to a role on offense, or even a roster spot, won’t be
particularly easy.And looking at the Lions tight end room, there isn’t exactly a
player that serves as a natural mentor. Everyone but Logan Thomas—someone who
has played tight end for just three years—is 25 years or younger.But mentors can
come from many sources, and this week during joint practices with the New
England Patriots, Nauta spent some time talking to one of his after Tuesday’s
practice.Benjamin Watson has spent 15 years in the NFL. He’s had to deal with
heavy rookie expectations as a first rounder, he’s felt the stresses of free
agency, he’s even won a Super Bowl. And at 38 years old, he is the oldest active
tight end in the NFL. As far as mentors, no one may be more experienced than
Watson.And luckily for Nauta, they have a shared history at the University of
Georgia. The two have met several times when Watson came back to Georgia for
spring practices and bowl games, including January’s Sugar Bowl. Since then,
they’ve been in constant contact texting and calling each other to bounce advice
off each other.“He’s been in the league for so long and he’s been so
successful,” Nauta said. “So he’s a guy that I’ve consistently reached out to
for anything.”For Watson, it almost feels like his duty to take care of his
fellow Dawgs.“It’s just kind of like a fraternity of sorts,” Watson said.
“Whenever you meet a guy from Georgia or you know a guy that plays your
position
Womens Damon Harrison Jersey , obviously, you try to get in touch with them and we text from time to time.” As far as topics of conversations go, it’s
less about the football technique and strategy, and more about the day-to-day
advice on expectations for the NFL and keeping your confidence up in a
high-pressure environment. “A lot of times, as a young player, you just need
encouragement,” Watson said. “‘You have what it takes, you can do this. Just
keep on fighting.’ We’ve all been in that situation, and we’ve all been young.
We’ve all pushed through the ups and downs of those trials.”For Nauta, the early
returns already seem promising. He’s made a handful of plays throughout training
camp, including an outstanding grab at the Ford Field scrimmage last week. And
after the Lions cut former fourth-round pick Michael Roberts, suddenly his path
to the 53-man roster looks a lot more clear. And according to Watson, Nauta has
the tools to not only make the team, but potentially last a long time in this
league.“He’s strong at the point, he can block, he can run routes
Womens Sam Martin Jersey ,” Watson said. “He’s on track to be a complete tight end, and that’s the thing, those types of guys are able to stay in the league a
long time, guys that can do everything.”Watson would know a little about
longevity. In 2018, he became the second-oldest tight endin NFL history to
eclipse 300 receiving yards in season. Watson has always had that coveted
balance between blocker and receiver that makes him such a valued commodity. And
Nauta thinks his play could eventually resemble that of his mentor’s.“I think
we’ve kind of got a similar game,” Nauta said. “We’re both around the same size.
He’s got a lot of finesse, especially in his route running. Especially at his
age now, he’s not the fastest guy anymore, so you’ve got a be a little more
savvy with the way you get things done.”It’s still a long road for Nauta to make
his mark on the league, but with a source like Watson just a phone call away,
he’s got a better chance than many.“In watching him at Georgia and watching him
now, I think the sky’s the limit for him,” Watson said. “He definitely has the
tools, and he’s proven that he can do it all.”
