It went relatively unnoticed when Martz mentionned that for the 4 wide-outs offense to work, they need to show their opponents that they can run up the middle with power. As a matter of fact, it is crucial that they do! We all agree that an offense cannot only rely on passing. It must be able to establish a running game for many reasons. One of those reasons, that apply specifically to the Lions situation, is to prevent opposing defenses to go nickel or dime all the time, and rely solely on the defensive line and a good tackling middle linebacker to stop the run. Now you will not see the Lions running outside very often. Why? As pointed out by Gregg Easterbrook in his latest article on TMQ (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/070911&sportCat=nfl), by spreading out the offense, i.e. putting 4 wide-outs, you’re also spreading defenders outward, and hence, spreading makes it much more difficult for a tailback to turn the corner. So if you can run it inside effectively, you are forcing defenses to keep their nickel back on the sideline, and prevent the linebackers from dropping back in coverage. The offense keeps the defense honnest. The linebackers and even the safeties have to stay home to stop the run inside, and the wide-outs are left with single coverage. Now if you mix the play calling well enough to keep the defense guessing, you will eventually win you chess match!

That is the reason why the Lions organisation acquired this offseason T.J.Duckett and switched 300-lbs defensive tackle Jon Bradley to fullback. they want to make sure that they can pound it up the middle! Calhoun, Bell or Cason aren’t gonna cut it.

This weekend’s predictions . . . if you are going to this weekend’s game, and you are a fan of both the visiting team and of Government Mule, you will not leave happy. Our offense is that much better and our defense isn’t that much worse.