The grass isn’t always greener in a new backyard. And it’s often harder to figure out how to cut it.
Receiver Golden Tate is living the latter as the latest veteran wideout to join the Lions after four seasons in Seattle.
“I think I understand the majority of the material,” Tate said, via Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. “I think I understand the concepts. I’d say around 70, 80 percent. The last 30 will really be understanding how to run their routes and how it’s supposed to be executed.”
Other Lions are dealing with the same issues, given that offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is installing a new system in Detroit. But given the investment in Tate, he’ll be expected by fans and the media to make an impact right away.
“This is a very, very fast-paced offense. I’m having fun,” Tate said. “I’m still trying to learn the plays to running those routes where Coach Lombardi wants them. It’s another challenge and I think I respond well to challenges.
“I’m just trying to get as good as I can in this offense so once late July comes, early August, it’s not really that learning process.”
The situation creates an opportunity to reluctant franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford to show leadership by gathering the skill-position players for extra reps after offseason practices end. Whether it happens could be the best evidence as to whether the Lions are willing to turn the page on their recent run of underachievement.