The Detroit Lions have enjoyed plenty of success under Brad Holmes. However, that hasn't stopped some fans from turning on the general manager.

Holmes faced criticism earlier this week after giving a defensive response to a question about the Lions' roster. His answer rubbed some fans the wrong way.

But Matt Dery from Locked On Lions believes the criticism is being taken too far. Holmes may not be perfect, but his record with the Lions speaks for itself.

"Is Brad Holmes perfect? No. Did Brad Holmes a little bit yesterday act like smartest guy in the room? Sure. Has he had a little bit of an attitude and a chip on his shoulder in the past? Yes. Do some of you get bothered by his villain sweatshirts and stuff that he wears? And yesterday he was in a t-shirt for his press conference. Does that maybe bother some of you? Okay, that's fair. But what other general manager, what other personnel executive has run this franchise in any era that many of you have been alive that they've had success like this? I'll wait."

That is a pretty strong defense of the Lions' general manager.

Holmes has helped transform Detroit into one of the NFC's top teams. His recent demeanor may have frustrated some supporters. Still, his overall body of work remains difficult to ignore.

Brad Holmes looking to extend two Lions superstars

The Lions have lost some important pieces this offseason. Terrion Arnold and Greg Dortch are among those no longer with the team.

However, Holmes appears determined to keep the core together. He is already working on extensions for Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch.

Both stars are entering the final year of their rookie contracts. Keeping them in Detroit would give Holmes another chance to preserve the foundation he helped build.

For now, the criticism continues. But Holmes' work to retain Detroit's best players could soon provide another reason for fans to believe in him.

Written by

Joseph Nithin