Detroit Lions Weblog

WEEK 6 Lions VS. Panthers

This is a pivotal game for the Lions. They face a team in the Panthers, who were pre-season darlings, who have underachieved slightly and are very beatable. A Lions victory will go along ways towards establishing themselves as legitimate contenders for the NFC North crown. This is also a very pivotal game for the Lions offensive personnel. Carolina is supposed to have a very good defense. They have some defensive stars on their roster who have yet to live up to billing. The Lions offensive personnel has drastically underachieved and this is major chance to turn things around before anymore dissension, unrest, and anomie develops.

Last Week, the Panthers secondary allowed the Cards two young receivers, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, to each gain over 100 yards receiving in the first half. The Lions passing game has been a disaster. This is an opportunity for Joey Harrington and the Lions young receivers to show they can live up to their premier billing. With Charles Rogers suspended and it being very questionable that Roy Williams will be able to play, the Lions will have to be able to count on Rookie Mike Williams and Vets Kevin Johnson, Scottie Vines, and Eddie Drummond to exploit the Carolina Secondary. The Panthers feature Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble at corner. Lucas did an admirable job shutting down Fitzgerald in the second half last week. Gamble, who is injured, will be the player the Lions really try to exploit. The Lions will also try to go after the Panthers nickel corner Ricky Manning. If Joey Harrington can be a little more poised and accurate, and the offensive line manages to slow down DE’s Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker, this could be a banner game for the Lions passing game. Peppers and Rucker both have been hindered by the loss of DT Kris Jenkins, allowing opposing offenses to double-team them and use more max protect blocking schemes to slow their onslaught. The Lions will probably utilize more double-tight end formations and use running backs to help block Peppers and Rucker. If the Lions can contain them, they may enjoy some of the success that other teams have against the Panthers Defense.

The Panthers are very good against the run. I believe, that like most teams, the Panthers will dare the Lions to beat them with Harrington’s passing and stack up the line of scrimmage to prevent RB’S Kevin Jones, Shawn Bryson and Artose Pinner from successfully pounding the ball. The Panthers still have DT Brentson Buckner MLB Dan Morgan, and the run support of SS Marlon McCree to help stuff the run. If Corey Schlesinger is able to play, he may have an immediate impact upon the Lions ability to earn tough yards with Jones’s physical, take-no-prisoners running.

On Defense, the Lions will be facing a very balanced offensive team. With injured CB Fernando Bryant, the Lions will matchup Pro Bowler Dre Bly with the opponent’s best receiver. Steve Smith is having an excellent return season after suffering from a season-ending injury last year. If Dre Bly is succesful in limiting Smith’s impact, a major component of Panthers offense has been neutralized. WR’s Ricky Proehl, Keary Colbert, and Rod Gardner have all been lesser contributors. One intriguing matchup, will R.W. McQuarters facing Ricky Proehl on third downs. Proehl is very adept at converting long third downs and McQuarters has played well. I would not be surprised if the Panthers look more frequently this week to Colbert and Gardner, especially when Andre Goodman is in man coverage against them. Gardner is a big receiver who could really hurt the Lions in the red zone.

The onus of the Panthers offense is their ground game. Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster seemed to permanently hobbled with injuries. The scary thing is, the Panthers never miss a beat. They have been able to get good games from people like FB Brad Hoover and RB Nick Goings when they have been without Foster and Davis. Coach John Fox has stated that he has the utmost confidence in Nick Goings and Jamal Robertson if necessary. The Lions have been pretty good against the run. I think that if they are able to limit the Panthers rushing attack, they may be able to pressure Jake Delhomme into some costly turnovers. Terrence Holt will have to be at the top of his game. The Panthers are not afraid of going deep to Smith and there may be cases where Holt will have to help Bly over the top in coverage against Smith. If the Lions secondary doesn’t give up big plays, the Lions will play a close game against the Panthers. Multiple big plays, will put the Lions defense on it’s heels.

The Lions will benefit from the probable absence of one Panthers player, “He Hate Me” (Rod Smart) is listed as doubtful. With the injured Jason Hanson routinely kicking the ball short on kickoffs, the Panther’s Smart, who is excellent in returns, would likely have a field day.

At this point in time, this game is a desirable matchup for the Lions. The Lions have just played two very physical power football teams, and they will be very prepared to face a team like Carolina. That being said, the Lions have to continue to play excellent defense and try to win the field position battle. Joey Harrington will be depended upon to stay focused and not do anything to hurt the Lions chances. 2-3 Interceptions from Harrington and a couple of big plays by Steve Smith and the Lions are in a whole lot of trouble. If the Lions limit Smith and Harrington is a reduced liability, the Lions can win.

Lions 24 Panthers 20