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
No comments:
Post a Comment