Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Vs. Giants

It is hard to envision on any level, especially after their performance versus Green Bay, the possibility of Lion’s victory on the road this week. The New York Giants don’t jump out as a dominant team in any factor of the game. Still, the fact that they have a lot of experience on offense and defense and have repeatedly gained victories with a small margin for error doesn’t bode well for the Lions.

On offense, the Lions will be hoping that increased reps for a healthier Kevin Jones will jump start their running attack. Their ground game has been ineffective at best. The Giants have allowed some rushing yards thus far this season but have really tightened up their defense in the red zone, not allowing a single touchdown. The Lions will also have difficulty in the passing game if they are unable to make some big plays this week. The Giants have been pretty good in pass defense, the 2 Wills (Allen and Peterson) are capable corners who have rebounded from poor starts to the season. The Lions must stretch the field. Their conservative offense has hamstrung their ability to simply convert a first down. We all realize that without Charles Rogers and Roy Williams the team is very limited as far as game-breaking playmakers are concerned, but if Harrington spreads the ball around effectively the Lions should be able to move the ball some. Stockar McDougle has the unenviable task of trying to block the powerful and athletic Michael Strahan. McDougle’s success will have a major factor in the outcome of this game. I look for the Lions to run at former Lion and turncoat, Barrett Green, his lack of size should allow the Lions to run to his side of the field if the linemen and fullbacks can get to him.

On defense, the Lions will need to be more aggressive. Jauron coached defense’s play a lot of zone coverage and he does not utilize blitzes. In the current NFL, where officials are strictly enforcing the no-contact rule after 5 yards penalty this is suicide. The receivers have a distinct advantage and if the front four can not exert pressure then it will be another long day for the Lion’s secondary. Kurt Warner, with his lead feet and aging fragility, should be a continuous and unrelentless target of the Lion’s D-Line. Thus far, he has made very few mistakes in running the Giants ball control offense. The Lions linebackers and ends will have to do good job of containing the spritely Tiki Barber, he shouldn’t have much room to run on the inside. Hopefully, the Lions will help Barber regain his fumbling bug.

Like I said earlier, I hold little hope for a Lion victory. I think this will be one of the most boring games to watch all season as both teams play not to lose. The Giants will play not to lose better and win 17-7.