Uncharted territory. Most of these Detroit Lions have never even been to the playoffs, much less won a playoff game. That could mean the pressure won't be felt and they can just go out and play. I'm beginning to think that the penalties incurred this season were more about proving that they wouldn't back down rather than being undisciplined. When you think about the history of this franchise, both recent and long term, you have to like that. This is a franchise that in many ways has been trampled on. Much of it by its own doing, some just old-fashioned bad luck and also by guys in suits a thousand miles away. After all, it was only last week that much of the country witnessed the Lions get robbed of a crucial touchdown by the referees in a game that potentially could have meant everything. They've taken enormous steps to overcome incidents like this and have risen, 6th seed or not, to become a power in the NFC. They've proven that they won't back down, now it's time to bring their opponents to their knees.
I can only tell you what should happen. The fact of the matter is that they can win but it will have to involve unconventional coaching methods and game-breaking plays on defense. The Lions must steal a possession from New Orleans. They are among the regular season league leaders in takeaways and that must continue tonight. Expect Louis Delmas and Corey Williams to get their hands on some balls. However, to defeat a soaring Saints team in New Orleans, they have to not only get their hands on the ball, but hold on to it for dear life and get it in the end zone.
For playmakers like Delmas, Chris Houston and N'damukong Suh, it's up to the coaching staff to put them in a position to win. The Lions cannot sit back and let the New Orleans offense dictate the pace of the game. They must bring the game to them. The Saints are not undefeated and are not unstoppable. As a quarterback and as a man, Drew Brees has all of my respect but even he tends to press at times. In the biggest moments of his season two weeks ago, he looked less than stellar, throwing interceptions and many other would-be interceptions while going for the all-time passing record. Pressure is pressure and even the biggest stars feel it. The magnitude of the event will apply it to everyone in the building. The Lions' defense must apply it physcially to Brees.
There are still more than a handful of concerns with this team- the Ryan Grant touchdown last week among them. The Lions have arguably played harder this season than really any other team, never being 'out' of a game. However, the Grant TD was really about effort. While not a run, it was similar and stopping this type of play has been the Achilles heal of this team all season. Now, much of this is attributed to scheme but with a little extra effort, they can play above the flaws in their system. They need to understand that every possession and every snap of the ball is ever more imperative in the playoffs. Every player should have it in his mind that he is going to be the one.
Examine the rosters closely and the Lions match up with not only the Saints but with essentially every team in the league. This is evident with a simple eye ball test, or if you need further confirmation, look at the stats. Normally, it would be hard to say that when Drew Brees is dropping back to pass against you. In this case, Matthew Stafford has arrived, is healthy and can match Brees nearly throw-for-throw. The Lions are talented enough to just go out and play.
Detroiters want respect. No matter how hard we fight for it, we never seem to get it. Like our teams, our city is an underdog and we have to fight that much harder to get the rest of the world's attention. We've come close many times recently, Michigan State two years ago, the Tigers this past season. It's time to erase any doubt and stop trying to convince other that we're worthy. There's only one way to do that. What these teams have done recently is nice and they've had honorable runs. Do we want to be a city just good enough to lose, or a city of champions? It's time for the Lions to stake their claim, not just for themsevles, but for Detroit. The Saints are a paragon of how a team can spur both morale and economic bustle in a city on the brink. Football is king and a nation can only be as great as its leaders.
Will this be a curtain call for the 2011 season, or an actuation to something greater? If nothing else, this will be fun to watch. There's a saying that I've been seeing more and more lately that if the Lions take to heart, could mean the difference in the game. "Detroit Hustles Harder" sums up what we're about. We'll do what it takes and we're not afraid to get dirty doing it. In the end, hard work pays off.
Prediction: Lions 45 Saints 44
Players to watch: Adrian Arrington, Kevin Smith, Tony Scheffler
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Week 17 NFL Picks: Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers
A win. They're in.
The Detroit Lions are in the playoffs. What will happen once the playoffs begin will have much to do with what happens today in Green Bay. Playing for virtually nothing, the Packers are expected to rest many of their starterss in preparation for the playoffs. Regardless, it would be difficult to believe that whomever takes the field for the Packers, won't be playing to win.
It's hard to argue against history, and what history tells us is that the Lions haven't won in Green Bay in 20 years. Every team wants to head into the playoffs on a positive note and the Packers are no different. They proved at the beginning of the season that they can take extended time off and still be a proficient team. While they don't want to give momentum to a team that they could possibly be playing in two weeks, they also don't want to head into their bye week nursing any unnecessary injuries.
That matchup is a very realistic scenario and from a psychological standpoint, it would be better for the Lions to break the losing streak today rather than later. However, there's much that needs to happen in order to validate taking that discussion any further.
The Lions have improved much each of the last three weeks. Unfortunately, they haven't gotten any healthier. Louis Delmas will be out, you better believe Calvin Johnson is banged up and the defensive front is hurting all across the line and back again. Playing against the Packers' second-team or not, the Lions will need to play four solid quarters if they want to end their Lambeau losing streak and more importantly, clinch the coveted 5th playoff seed.
Matt Flynn is a more than capable backup, meaning all of the same matchups apply the same as they did on Thanksgiving. The Packers are deep and they're playing at home. If the Lions aren't ready, the ferocity in which the Packers start the game may surprise them.
If the last 2 weeks are any indication, then the Lions know what they're up against, what it takes to succeed and what it will all mean.
Prediction: Lions 24 Packers 17
Players to watch: Brandon Saine, Joique Bell
The Detroit Lions are in the playoffs. What will happen once the playoffs begin will have much to do with what happens today in Green Bay. Playing for virtually nothing, the Packers are expected to rest many of their starterss in preparation for the playoffs. Regardless, it would be difficult to believe that whomever takes the field for the Packers, won't be playing to win.
It's hard to argue against history, and what history tells us is that the Lions haven't won in Green Bay in 20 years. Every team wants to head into the playoffs on a positive note and the Packers are no different. They proved at the beginning of the season that they can take extended time off and still be a proficient team. While they don't want to give momentum to a team that they could possibly be playing in two weeks, they also don't want to head into their bye week nursing any unnecessary injuries.
That matchup is a very realistic scenario and from a psychological standpoint, it would be better for the Lions to break the losing streak today rather than later. However, there's much that needs to happen in order to validate taking that discussion any further.
The Lions have improved much each of the last three weeks. Unfortunately, they haven't gotten any healthier. Louis Delmas will be out, you better believe Calvin Johnson is banged up and the defensive front is hurting all across the line and back again. Playing against the Packers' second-team or not, the Lions will need to play four solid quarters if they want to end their Lambeau losing streak and more importantly, clinch the coveted 5th playoff seed.
Matt Flynn is a more than capable backup, meaning all of the same matchups apply the same as they did on Thanksgiving. The Packers are deep and they're playing at home. If the Lions aren't ready, the ferocity in which the Packers start the game may surprise them.
If the last 2 weeks are any indication, then the Lions know what they're up against, what it takes to succeed and what it will all mean.
Prediction: Lions 24 Packers 17
Players to watch: Brandon Saine, Joique Bell
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Week 16 NFL Picks: San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions
Win and in.
That's ultimately what over a decade of futility, desperation and frustration has come down to.
Every player knows the history of the franchise and the lack of playoff appearances. I only hope they understand the enormity of actually accomplishing the feat.
The Lions are talented enough to not only get into the playoffs, but actually go deep into them. When you have a player like Calvin Johnson and a defensive front that's as physical and overwhelming at times as theirs, you have a chance to beat anyone. Making the playoffs is nice. Making an actual playoff run is special.
San Diego is always dangerous and they come into this week exceptionally hot. However, examine their 3-game win streak a little closer and it's difficult to find anything too impressive about it. They did what they should have at home against lowly Jacksonville and Buffalo and they definitely took care of business against Baltimore. But Baltimore had already clinched a playoff spot and they almost certainly didn't take the Chargers as serious as they should have.
Nobody expects the Lions to rush for 150+ yards. However, they'll need to flirt with 100 to really play a clean game and come out with a victory. Their running backs are who they are. A crew of backups, most of whom were out of the league when the season started. The offensive line needs to have a greater commitment to run blocking and allow these serviceable-at-best backs to protect the pill and gain their 4 yards a carry. To exploit the San Diego rush defense may be too harsh a term, but they must be effective because San Diego has a top pass defense and Stafford will need help to loosen them up.
This is the Chargers' first and only game indoors all season. That makes the crowd noise all the more imperative. Their offense is communication intensive, meaning Rivers likes to talk to his linemen and maybe change a play all at the line of scrimmage. The Ford Field crowd can do much to hamper this. Of course, the game dictates what the crowd can do. People are only human and they can't get too amped up if the Lions are down big and early. A close game means a lot of banging ear drums.
San Diego has consistently been one of the most dynamic and best teams in the league since Drew Brees and Ladainian Tomlinson were in the backfield. They are strong in all phases and can compete with any team, any week. While the Lions have had their share of battles this season, they should relish the opportunity to get a playoff-type of contest before the playoffs actually start. Win, and you move on. They should look at it no other way.
Prediction: Lions 28 Chargers 26
Players to watch- Malcom Floyd, Chris Houston
That's ultimately what over a decade of futility, desperation and frustration has come down to.
Every player knows the history of the franchise and the lack of playoff appearances. I only hope they understand the enormity of actually accomplishing the feat.
The Lions are talented enough to not only get into the playoffs, but actually go deep into them. When you have a player like Calvin Johnson and a defensive front that's as physical and overwhelming at times as theirs, you have a chance to beat anyone. Making the playoffs is nice. Making an actual playoff run is special.
San Diego is always dangerous and they come into this week exceptionally hot. However, examine their 3-game win streak a little closer and it's difficult to find anything too impressive about it. They did what they should have at home against lowly Jacksonville and Buffalo and they definitely took care of business against Baltimore. But Baltimore had already clinched a playoff spot and they almost certainly didn't take the Chargers as serious as they should have.
Nobody expects the Lions to rush for 150+ yards. However, they'll need to flirt with 100 to really play a clean game and come out with a victory. Their running backs are who they are. A crew of backups, most of whom were out of the league when the season started. The offensive line needs to have a greater commitment to run blocking and allow these serviceable-at-best backs to protect the pill and gain their 4 yards a carry. To exploit the San Diego rush defense may be too harsh a term, but they must be effective because San Diego has a top pass defense and Stafford will need help to loosen them up.
This is the Chargers' first and only game indoors all season. That makes the crowd noise all the more imperative. Their offense is communication intensive, meaning Rivers likes to talk to his linemen and maybe change a play all at the line of scrimmage. The Ford Field crowd can do much to hamper this. Of course, the game dictates what the crowd can do. People are only human and they can't get too amped up if the Lions are down big and early. A close game means a lot of banging ear drums.
San Diego has consistently been one of the most dynamic and best teams in the league since Drew Brees and Ladainian Tomlinson were in the backfield. They are strong in all phases and can compete with any team, any week. While the Lions have had their share of battles this season, they should relish the opportunity to get a playoff-type of contest before the playoffs actually start. Win, and you move on. They should look at it no other way.
Prediction: Lions 28 Chargers 26
Players to watch- Malcom Floyd, Chris Houston
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Week 15 NFL Picks: Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders
Even in victory, the Lions have a tendency to look undisciplined. Despite its deficiencies, this team has a lot of talent. It's just up to the coaches to harness that talent and channel it into production on the field. All things considered, the approach from here on out should not be just to get into the playoffs, but to go deep into them. To do that, these players have to look at themselves and ask if they want to do something special.
Matthew Stafford is quietly playing his best football of the season over the last 2 weeks. I'd like to see him continue to spread the ball around. Nate Burleson is a guy who will have his moments but he's no longer someone Stafford can go to when the game is on the line. Two tight end sets and more Titus Young are what this team needs. Would be nice to see Maurice Stovall also get into the mix late this season.
Stopping the run may be a monumental task today. While the Lions have had some success against larger backs, Michael Bush will almost certainly have a day against a poor run stopping defense. He's a bruiser and quite frankly someone the Lions should be looking to sign this offseason.
Make no mistake about it, the Oakland Raiders can play ball. They have a play making defense that loves to force turnovers and their offense can shine at times.
It's not easy to win on the road. People look at the Raiders and see that they've lost their last two games in ugly fashion and assume the Lions should walk into Oakland and take an easy victory. As we've seen, the Lions don't like to do things the easy way. The Raiders have just enough talent to make this interesting. Maybe too interesting.
Prediction: Lions 31 Raiders 30
Players to watch: Chaz Schillens, Marcel Reece,
Matthew Stafford is quietly playing his best football of the season over the last 2 weeks. I'd like to see him continue to spread the ball around. Nate Burleson is a guy who will have his moments but he's no longer someone Stafford can go to when the game is on the line. Two tight end sets and more Titus Young are what this team needs. Would be nice to see Maurice Stovall also get into the mix late this season.
Stopping the run may be a monumental task today. While the Lions have had some success against larger backs, Michael Bush will almost certainly have a day against a poor run stopping defense. He's a bruiser and quite frankly someone the Lions should be looking to sign this offseason.
Make no mistake about it, the Oakland Raiders can play ball. They have a play making defense that loves to force turnovers and their offense can shine at times.
It's not easy to win on the road. People look at the Raiders and see that they've lost their last two games in ugly fashion and assume the Lions should walk into Oakland and take an easy victory. As we've seen, the Lions don't like to do things the easy way. The Raiders have just enough talent to make this interesting. Maybe too interesting.
Prediction: Lions 31 Raiders 30
Players to watch: Chaz Schillens, Marcel Reece,
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Week 14 NFL Picks: Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions
There's what should happen and then there's what could happen. We know what the Lions should do to a decimated Minnesota Vikings team. Potentially without their starting quarterback and running back, the Lions should walk out of Ford Field with a victory. After all, they have a lot to prove after the last 2 weeks, don't they? Well, we may think so but that doesn't mean the team realizes it. It begs the question, can players who are even capable of committing the kind of inexcusable acts the Lions have over the last two weeks, learn from those same mistakes? Believe the unbelievable when Jared Allen or another Viking tries to get under the skin of a Lion in hopes of getting a reaction. We'll find out what that reaction will be starting today and over the course of these next 3 weeks.
Just out of curiosity, is it worse to push a defenseless referee or to kick a guy's arm?
Despite an extreme lack of talent, the Vikings have played well at times this season. Like any team in the NFL, if you don't prepare for them or take them lightly, they can bite you. The Lions should be aware of this as it took a monumental comeback and overtime to beat them in week 3. There's nothing the Vikings would like more than to play spoiler and defeat their division rivals. Although, I'm not sure they would be spoiling anything.
There is so much that has to happen for this year's Lions to separate themselves from being just another mediocre football team. So far, they haven't done them. The kind of mental errors they've had just don't equate to success. The only thing this team has going for it is the hot start to the season. They're clinging to that as they've now lost 5 of 7 and have put themselves in a bad spot. If the playoffs started today, the Lions would be watching from home (and not because they'd have a first round bye.)
The Lions must not look past this team nor will a sloppy win suffice. There's a lot they need to accomplish today including stopping the run and establishing their own. Whether Adrian Peterson is healthy or not, the Vikings can run the ball. When a team can do that, it opens up everything else in terms of moving the ball down the field and before you know it, you've got a ball game on your hands.
The rest of the schedule is a bit of a gauntlet. In my opinion, the Lions need to win 3 out of their last 4 as well as get some help from other teams in order to get into the playoffs. The Lions have some injuries of their own and those guys who step in to play better be ready because when the 4th quarter comes around, the entire season may be on the line.
Let's assume this team has re-focused and will come ready to play.
Prediction: Lions 28, Vikings 23
Players to watch: Toby Gerhart, Percy Harvin
Just out of curiosity, is it worse to push a defenseless referee or to kick a guy's arm?
Despite an extreme lack of talent, the Vikings have played well at times this season. Like any team in the NFL, if you don't prepare for them or take them lightly, they can bite you. The Lions should be aware of this as it took a monumental comeback and overtime to beat them in week 3. There's nothing the Vikings would like more than to play spoiler and defeat their division rivals. Although, I'm not sure they would be spoiling anything.
There is so much that has to happen for this year's Lions to separate themselves from being just another mediocre football team. So far, they haven't done them. The kind of mental errors they've had just don't equate to success. The only thing this team has going for it is the hot start to the season. They're clinging to that as they've now lost 5 of 7 and have put themselves in a bad spot. If the playoffs started today, the Lions would be watching from home (and not because they'd have a first round bye.)
The Lions must not look past this team nor will a sloppy win suffice. There's a lot they need to accomplish today including stopping the run and establishing their own. Whether Adrian Peterson is healthy or not, the Vikings can run the ball. When a team can do that, it opens up everything else in terms of moving the ball down the field and before you know it, you've got a ball game on your hands.
The rest of the schedule is a bit of a gauntlet. In my opinion, the Lions need to win 3 out of their last 4 as well as get some help from other teams in order to get into the playoffs. The Lions have some injuries of their own and those guys who step in to play better be ready because when the 4th quarter comes around, the entire season may be on the line.
Let's assume this team has re-focused and will come ready to play.
Prediction: Lions 28, Vikings 23
Players to watch: Toby Gerhart, Percy Harvin
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Week 13 NFL Picks: Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints
There’s a lot that has gone wrong for the Detroit Lions the last few weeks. Injuries, unfavorable calls and a little incident you may have heard of involving Ndamokong Suh have hampered the plans that the Lions have made for the playoffs. Perhaps, the biggest problem is that the Lions had plans to begin with, not realizing the difficult road that still lay ahead. Somewhere along the schedule, the Lions lost their focus and now find themselves in a suddenly tight playoff race.
Now, the Lions travel to New Orleans, where they’ll take on a Saints team with a quarterback who I consider to be the best in the league in Drew Brees. The game has become an afterthought across the country, with most experts giving the Saints a decisive victory. Offensively, the Saints present match up problems for even the very best defenses in the league. But that is the key term: match ups. The Lions have some advantages that they should look to exploit early and often.
Both defenses are weak. Yes, both defenses. I know the reputation that the Lions have but the fact of the matter is that they haven’t lived up to that reputation. When you’re ‘ok’ against the pass and can’t stop the run, you are weak. Add to the mix a poor special teams squad and you've got the makings of an underachieving, playoff-missing football team. With that said, there's a chance for some big plays and real offensive fireworks.
Calvin Johnson hasn't been mentioned much in this blog this season nor has he needed to be. I know he's great, you know he's great. However, if the Lions are to make the playoffs, tonight must be a night to look back on as a reason why. This team is slumping and it will be up to their best player to pull them out of it. Like a great starting pitcher in baseball, CJ has to be Justin Verlander and play the stopper for this team.
Of course, much of what CJ does depends on his quarterback. Matthew Stafford has been practicing without the glove that he's worn the last few weeks. That could be good news, meaning his finger has healed, or bad news that he's desperate to break out of the funk that he's seemingly been in. The Saints defense may be mediocre, but like the Lions, they can be opportunistic. They aren't shy to bring pressure on the quarterback nor jump a route for an interception. Stafford has to match Brees nearly throw for throw.
You'll see Saints receivers getting behind Lions defenders the whole game tonight. The Lions need someone to do the same for them. There hasn't been anyone besides Johnson that has been able to really stretch a defense. Titus Young has played well at times this season, managing to score a few touchdowns. However, he has lacked those game changing plays that he was known for out of college. Look for Stafford to try and hit him deep tonight.
A healthy Kevin Smith could be the difference in the game. Balance between the run and the pass gives Detroit its best chance. Smith has had a nice resurgence this season but expect to see major contributions from Keiland Williams and Maurice Morris as well.
This has to be the Nick Fairley game. This is why they drafted him. He started the season looking weak and out of shape with much of that being attributed to his injury. He’s now had 2 healthy months under his belt to play himself back into shape. Ideally, the defense shouldn't miss a beat without Suh. That's what was visualized when Fairley was drafted and he his supposed to be Suh's near-equal, even as a rookie.
This needs to be a team effort. Justin Durant was signed this off season to be an athletic, sideline to sidelines playmaker. His game is meant to excel in games like this where a quarterback spreads the ball around to guys like Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham. The Lions could use a big defensive play from him today.
The dominoes have fallen nicely so far today for the Lions in terms of playoff positioning. Tonight, they can either take a giant leap towards the postseason or continue to watch the walls close in on them.
Prediction: Lions 30 Saints 35
Players to watch: New Orleans RB’s, Jonathan Vilma
Now, the Lions travel to New Orleans, where they’ll take on a Saints team with a quarterback who I consider to be the best in the league in Drew Brees. The game has become an afterthought across the country, with most experts giving the Saints a decisive victory. Offensively, the Saints present match up problems for even the very best defenses in the league. But that is the key term: match ups. The Lions have some advantages that they should look to exploit early and often.
Both defenses are weak. Yes, both defenses. I know the reputation that the Lions have but the fact of the matter is that they haven’t lived up to that reputation. When you’re ‘ok’ against the pass and can’t stop the run, you are weak. Add to the mix a poor special teams squad and you've got the makings of an underachieving, playoff-missing football team. With that said, there's a chance for some big plays and real offensive fireworks.
Calvin Johnson hasn't been mentioned much in this blog this season nor has he needed to be. I know he's great, you know he's great. However, if the Lions are to make the playoffs, tonight must be a night to look back on as a reason why. This team is slumping and it will be up to their best player to pull them out of it. Like a great starting pitcher in baseball, CJ has to be Justin Verlander and play the stopper for this team.
Of course, much of what CJ does depends on his quarterback. Matthew Stafford has been practicing without the glove that he's worn the last few weeks. That could be good news, meaning his finger has healed, or bad news that he's desperate to break out of the funk that he's seemingly been in. The Saints defense may be mediocre, but like the Lions, they can be opportunistic. They aren't shy to bring pressure on the quarterback nor jump a route for an interception. Stafford has to match Brees nearly throw for throw.
You'll see Saints receivers getting behind Lions defenders the whole game tonight. The Lions need someone to do the same for them. There hasn't been anyone besides Johnson that has been able to really stretch a defense. Titus Young has played well at times this season, managing to score a few touchdowns. However, he has lacked those game changing plays that he was known for out of college. Look for Stafford to try and hit him deep tonight.
A healthy Kevin Smith could be the difference in the game. Balance between the run and the pass gives Detroit its best chance. Smith has had a nice resurgence this season but expect to see major contributions from Keiland Williams and Maurice Morris as well.
This has to be the Nick Fairley game. This is why they drafted him. He started the season looking weak and out of shape with much of that being attributed to his injury. He’s now had 2 healthy months under his belt to play himself back into shape. Ideally, the defense shouldn't miss a beat without Suh. That's what was visualized when Fairley was drafted and he his supposed to be Suh's near-equal, even as a rookie.
This needs to be a team effort. Justin Durant was signed this off season to be an athletic, sideline to sidelines playmaker. His game is meant to excel in games like this where a quarterback spreads the ball around to guys like Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham. The Lions could use a big defensive play from him today.
The dominoes have fallen nicely so far today for the Lions in terms of playoff positioning. Tonight, they can either take a giant leap towards the postseason or continue to watch the walls close in on them.
Prediction: Lions 30 Saints 35
Players to watch: New Orleans RB’s, Jonathan Vilma
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Week 12 NFL Picks: Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions
The Lions must play better than they did on Sunday against Carolina to win today. Falling behind by two scores, giving up special teams touchdowns and turning the ball over three times in three possessions are ways to get sent home to an early Thanksgiving dinner.
Push it to the limit
The Packers are a team that will score a lot of points and gain a lot of yards no matter the situation. To think that you can shut them down is unrealistic. The key is limiting those points and yardage. The Lions can do this in two ways: Keeping Aaron Rogers off of the field by playing consistent, ball control offense and by stopping them on third down. The Lions are the best in the league at the latter and this will prove crucial to having any success today.
Stark contrasts
The Lions have been brutal against the run. Two of their three losses are directly related to poor run-defense. I’m not sure this will be a problem today, though. James Starks is a nice back who came through in a huge way for the Packers last year. He’s good between the tackles and will get yards after contact. Nice features that you want in a running back, but likely won’t hurt the Lions.
The war at the front and civilian contributions
The Lions really got after Rodgers last season, so much so that they knocked him out of one game. There’s no reason why they can’t do that again. However, this will take some help from the defensive backs. There were throws last week that Cameron Newton missed to some open receivers. Aaron Rodgers won’t miss those. If they can tighten their coverage, the Lions defensive line has a chance to really take over this game. The crowd can do much to aid in this. This should be the same atmosphere as Monday night if not louder. A disruption of Rodgers communicating with his receivers would be huge.
Suh me, baby
It all starts with Suh. He doesn’t do all the things that show up on a stat sheet but he does a lot of what doesn’t and his peers respect him for this. Today, he needs to add to that and do a couple things that do show up on a stat sheet. Look for a sack or maybe something bigger from him.
This is a game the Lions can win. If they don’t shore up the kick coverage, they’ll lose. If they can eliminate the big plays like this, then everything else will fall into place
Prediction: Lions 37 Packers 33
Players to watch: Randall Cobb, Tramond Williams
Push it to the limit
The Packers are a team that will score a lot of points and gain a lot of yards no matter the situation. To think that you can shut them down is unrealistic. The key is limiting those points and yardage. The Lions can do this in two ways: Keeping Aaron Rogers off of the field by playing consistent, ball control offense and by stopping them on third down. The Lions are the best in the league at the latter and this will prove crucial to having any success today.
Stark contrasts
The Lions have been brutal against the run. Two of their three losses are directly related to poor run-defense. I’m not sure this will be a problem today, though. James Starks is a nice back who came through in a huge way for the Packers last year. He’s good between the tackles and will get yards after contact. Nice features that you want in a running back, but likely won’t hurt the Lions.
The war at the front and civilian contributions
The Lions really got after Rodgers last season, so much so that they knocked him out of one game. There’s no reason why they can’t do that again. However, this will take some help from the defensive backs. There were throws last week that Cameron Newton missed to some open receivers. Aaron Rodgers won’t miss those. If they can tighten their coverage, the Lions defensive line has a chance to really take over this game. The crowd can do much to aid in this. This should be the same atmosphere as Monday night if not louder. A disruption of Rodgers communicating with his receivers would be huge.
Suh me, baby
It all starts with Suh. He doesn’t do all the things that show up on a stat sheet but he does a lot of what doesn’t and his peers respect him for this. Today, he needs to add to that and do a couple things that do show up on a stat sheet. Look for a sack or maybe something bigger from him.
This is a game the Lions can win. If they don’t shore up the kick coverage, they’ll lose. If they can eliminate the big plays like this, then everything else will fall into place
Prediction: Lions 37 Packers 33
Players to watch: Randall Cobb, Tramond Williams
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