Detroit Lions Weblog

Week 7:Jets Vs. Lions Preview

With all of the amazing anticipation surrounding the upcoming World Series games to be played in Detroit, I nearly forgot that the Lions will be playing at the Meadowlands on Sunday against the New York Jets.  The Jets have kind of served as my second favorite team (I love those uni’s and have always respected Curtis Martin and Chad Pennington) for a few years. The history of the Jets and the well-documented struggles within their organization form a reasonable (recognizable?) parallel to those that the Lions have suffered from throughout the years.

The Lions have struggled mightily to win road games during the Matt Millen tenure.   In order for them to have a chance of turning that around on Sunday they will have to strike early.   The Jets have struggled to score in the first quarter of games.   If the Lions can jump to an early lead like they did last week against Buffalo they may be able to obtain a prescious road victory. 

Offensively, Kevin Jones and Brian Calhoun should split an ample of amount of carries because the Jets have had a very difficult time stopping their opponent’s ground game, even with a quality player like MLB Jonathan Vilma.  I expect the Jets to try and come after Jon Kitna aggressively with a combination of blitzes in order to try and cause the Lions to turn the ball over.  Jets S Kerry Rhodes has been very effective in generating big plays and will need to be accounted for.  The Jets young CB Justin Miller has struggled, so it will be no surprise if Mike Furrey or Az Hakim has a big game.   I believe that Roy Williams’ size/speed advantage will help him when he’s matched against either Miller of CB Andre Dyson.

Defensively, I believe that the play of Marcus Bell and Cory Redding will be very important.   The Jets have been ineffective rushing the ball.   That being said, the combination of Leon Washington, Kewan Barlow and Cedric Houston should see a lot of carries in attmpt to take of advantage of the Lions revamped defensive front.  The Jets also likely want to play a controlled, ball-control type of game to keep the Lions offense off of the field against the league’s statistically worst Jets defense.  One player to watch is TE Chris Baker.   I think that the Jets will attack the middle of the Lions zone coverage with Baker.   The Lions will also face a tough test attempting to limit big play WR’s Jericho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles.

This should be a good, close game.  If Kevin Jones rushes for 150 yards and Roy Williams catches gain over 100 yards again this week, the Lions should win.  With all that said, I believe that the Lions road woes will continue….

Jets 24 Lions 21 and The Tigers in five games!!!