Detroit Lions Weblog

Week 9 Preview: Lions Vs. Niners

Other than the side bar story of Niners QB Alex Smith being related to recently deposed Michigan State Head Coach John L. Smith, this game possesses little tangible intrigue.   Had Steve Mariucci remained as Lions Head Coach, that may have provided some interesting back story in preview to this game.   That being said, the immediate concern for the Lions is to develop some consistency coming off their surprising victory last Sunday against the Falcons.   The Lions have had a great deal of difficulty in stringing consecutive victories together in recent seasons.  it is imperative, that in what is perceived to be a winnable game, against a lesser foe, the Lions find a way to achieve victory Sunday.

Rod Marinelli’s laser sharp focus and adherence to the repetition of cornerstone team mantra’s like establishing fundamentals and maintaining consistency, may just be the right man to lead the Lions to victory in a string of winnable games.   I believe that Marinelli’s approach is taking hold within the locker room and the fact the team’s confidence has never faltered during a poor start to the season says a lot about the amount of sway he holds.

Offensively, the Lions needs to continue to perform at the high level that they have recently achieved, and limit their penalties and turnovers.   If they are able to do that, this game could become an early blow out.  The Niners have struggled defensively on the road, even though they are coming off a big home victory against the Vikings last Sunday it remains to be seen if they have what it takes to limit the threat provided by the increasingly dangerous Lions offense.   The Niners have struggled in stopping the run and also have a very difficult time in getting third down stops.   if the Lions get some extended drives early, they would be doing themselves a big favor with the injuries they have sustained along their defensive front.

Defensivelly, the Lions will likely stack up the box to prevent Frank Gore from pounding them, especially with three starters on the defensive line unavailable in Sunday’s game.   If the Lions gain an early lead, the Niners will be unable to rely upon Gore.  In an ideal situation, the Lions will place the game upon the shoulders of the young, much improved Niners QB Alex Smith to lead the Niners to victory.   The Lions would like to be able to pin their ears back and come after Smith, and hopefully force him into costly turnovers.  The other factor is that the Niners receivers Antonio Bryant and Arnaz Battle are inconsistent and likely containable by Lions CB’s Dre Bly and Fernando Bryant.

Their is no reason other than a pre-conditioned sense of an impending Lions letdown to believe that they will lose this game. 

Lions 34 John L. Smith’s nephew 20