NFC Wildcard Preview: Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints

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

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