Detroit Lions: 3 keys to victory in their Week 1 matchup
Establish the running game
The one the Lions have been missing from their offense for what seems like an eternity now is a running game. If they can manage to add that feature to their offense, it will put less pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford and opens up the field for the rest of the passing game.
Improving upon the running game was the main focus of general manager Bob Quinn, as he used a first and second round pick to address the issue. Offensive linemen Frank Ragnow is a bruiser up front and has looked like a draft gem at left guard.
Second round pick running back Kerryon Johnson has been turning heads all preseason long and can elevate the Lions? offense to an elite level. Combine him with Theo Riddick?s agility and LeGarrette Blount?s power, and the Lions finally have a complete backfield.
For the first time in a long time, the Lions have the pieces in place to have an above-average running game. It?s up to offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter to put those pieces together.
Pressure Sam Darnold, make him uncomfortable
New York Jets starting quarterback Sam Darnold will make his NFL debut tonight, and will, in turn, set a record in the process.
It?s important to remember that Darnold will be making his debut at Ford Field, where a large pack of Lions fans will be roaring at him constantly. And he will be in prime time, as the game will be broadcast on ESPN, where millions will be watching the first Monday night game of the year.
Any football player would be nervous in a situation like that, especially when said player has never played in a regular season NFL game before, is barely above the legal drinking age, and has looked shaky so far this preseason. The defensive line for the Detroit Lions needs to get in the backfield and keep Darnold as nervous as possible.
The motor city defensive line has not exactly been consistent in recent years. Former pro bowler Ezekiel Ansah did have 12.0 sacks last season, but he has struggled to stay healthy his entire career.
Ansah and the rest of the Detroit front seven need to reach Darnold because if he doesn?t time to operate in the pocket, he?ll do what all young quarterbacks do: panic and make a stupid decision.
Matt Patricia needs to stay poised in his debut
A good portion of Detroit Lions fans were sad to see former head coach Jim Caldwell be fired. Although he lacked the ability to show emotion on the field, he was well liked by the players and was able to lead Detroit to multiple playoff appearances.
As nice as it is to make the playoffs, Bob Quinn and the rest of the Detroit front office decided that simply making the playoffs isn?t good enough. They want to see this team do some damage once they get to the playoffs.
That?s where new head coach Matt Patricia can offer some help. The former New England defensive coordinator has won multiple super bowls and has worked with future Hall of Famers, so he has some understanding of how to succeed in the playoffs.
But before the Lions worry about the playoffs, they need to relax and take this season one game at a time. Known for his fiery emotions on the sideline, Patricia has looked reserved in the preseason games this season, mimicking Caldwell?s calm demeanor.
Like Darnold, Patricia will also be making his debut tonight. In order for him to win his first game as an NFL head coach, Patricia needs to remain poised, make the necessary changes at halftime, and execute the brilliant defensive schemes he was brought in to install.
If Detroit Lions players can rally around their captain, the ship will sail a lot more smoothly. A calm yet aggressive Matt Patricia needs to not be outcoached if he wants the Lions to start this season with a win in the record column.
