4 Qs on Trey Flowers: ‘The versatile playmaker Patricia’s scheme has been missing’

The Lions had a big week last week. They filled some big needs and actually wound up having a lot of money left to spend somehow. Without question, the biggest signing the Lions have made so far was Trey Flowers.

Trey signed a big-time deal that will see him be the Lions starting defensive end for the next five years. The Lions really scored big here. Not only did the Lions get themselves the best defensive end available in free agency, they also got Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated edge defender of 2018.

This is truly a big-time signing that should pay off immediately for the Lions. But don’t just take it from me. Take it from our friend Brian Phillips of Pats Pulpit, a guy that we seem to talk to about newly-signed Lions every single year due to the Lions’ connection to the Patriots through Bob Quinn, Matt Patricia and 48 other people. Here’s what Brian had to say:

POD: What are your thoughts on Trey’s time in New England?

PP: “His impact on the Patriots’ defense and locker room cannot be understated. After flashing signs of dominance in his rookie training camp only to miss the entire season with an injury, Flowers returned in 2016 to immediately become an integral part of a Super Bowl-winning roster. Fast forward two seasons later and he had not only emerged as perhaps the most effective player on a defense that helped propel the organization to three straight Super Bowls, but also as a locker-room leader that younger players gravitated to. Flowers is the perfect embodiment of everything the Patriots look for in a player; a humble guy who embraced every role he was tasked with, and the work ethic to achieve greatness in each one. He’ll be definitely be missed in Foxborough.”

POD: What are his strengths?

PP: “Versatility, and technique. He’s incredibly efficient with his movement, and always plays with correct leverage. He’s constantly on the other side of the line of scrimmage, and he can set the edge with the best of them. He’s also deadly in the twist and stunt department.”

POD: What are his weaknesses?

PP: “Flowers doesn’t have elite speed and “bend” when pass rushing from the edges, but has enough juice and shake to keep tackles off balance.”

POD: How big of an impact is Trey going to have on a line that struggled to rush the passer in 2018?

PP: “The Lions are getting their money’s worth with him. He’ll be on the field for all three downs, and will make everyone he plays with on the defensive line better. He’s the versatile playmaker Patricia’s scheme has been missing.”

Well if you weren’t already excited about Flowers heading to Detroit, Brain’s answers here have to make you feel like you can run through a brick wall right now. With Flowers in tow, this Lions defensive line is starting to look like it could be all kinds of trouble.