Detroit Lions Weblog

Detroit vs. Atlanta

As Lions fans we all harbor great reservations about a game like this. It has potential blow-out written all over it. The paranoias I have integrated into my very being as a Lion fan have me expecting that this would be the perfect opportunity for the Lions coming off a bye week to look flat and ill-prepared. Just as easily though, I can envision them looking sharp, executing well and surprising a very competitive team on the road. This is envisioned even before I have imbibed any Honolulu Blue Kool-Aid.

The Falcons are 4-0, but an unconvincing 4-0. Their defense has been very good particularly against the run. They have been very succesful pressuring the quarterback and their DE Patrick Kerney leads the NFL with seven sacks. They also feature a world class athlete, Michael Vick, and capable running backs in Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett.

Michael Vick is not quite as comfortable in the newly implemented West Coast Offense brought from San Francisco by new coach Jim Mora, Jr. (No, not the “Playoffs!?!” guy, his son). Vick has not been able to establish the necessary rapport with disappointing receivers Dez White and Peerless Price to make the machinations of the new system efficient.

In order for the Lions to win, they will have to play well from the onset. They will not be afforded the luxury in any of their upcoming games of being able to play from behind. The Eagles game was proof of how futile their game plan becomes when spotting a team two touchdowns. I don’t expect Pinner to gain over 100 yards, but he needs to get somewhere north of 65 in order for the Lions offense to be effective. The Lions should be able to pass the ball as long as they provide Joey Harrington with the time to throw. Stockar McDougle can’t be devoured in the same manner as he was when trying to block Jevon Kearse or the Lions will be headed for a very long day. In the passing game, Tai Streets, Az Hakim, Stephen Alexander, and Casey FitzSimmons will have to step up their games because Atlanta will game plan in order to prevent Roy Williams from touching the ball. The electrifying Williams will have to find ways to get the ball into his hands, as he is the only game-breaking playmaker the Lions can currently feature. If he has less than five touches the Lions will lose. Also a major factor in the potential for Lion victory will be ball control. If they don’t make any turnovers and can keep Michael Vick from being on the field, the Lions will be close and have a nice opportunity to win the game.

The Lions defense will be bolstered by the return of Dre Bly. Bly and Fernando Bryant should fare well defending Dez White and Peerless Price. The interesting matchup will be which safety will have the job of stopping Vick’s favorite and most potent weapon, Alge Crumpler. The Lions can’t afford to over-gameplan in preparation for containing Vick. Carolina players determined in their loss last week that they were too concerned with Vick’s playmaking abilities. The Lions run defense up the middle with Earl Holmes, Shaun Rogers, and Big Daddy Wilkinson should prevent Warrick Dunn and TJ Duckett from being very effective but the defensive ends and outside linebackers will have to be effective in containment on the edge as well as attempting to prevent the backs from taking advantage of cutback lanes when over-pursuing. I belive that in order for the Lions to win their defense will have to procure at least two turnovers.

In the end, I believe this game will be much closer than the 6 point spread but ultimately the Lions will lose, reaquiring the road loss bug. They will have served themselves well though and sent notice to the rest of the NFL that they are beginning to be able to compete with playoff caliber teams.

Falcons 24 Lions 21