Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Need to Ratchet Up Their Offense

The Lions are 4-2 entering the rough part of their schedule.   They easily could be, as many observers assert, 1-5 at this point, so apparently things are going well in spite of their performance up to this point.

The Lions defense has been opportunistic, but has not exhibited the ability to slow a better than average offense.   In order to win most games, especially against slightly better than average offenses, it would figure that the Lions need to outscore their opponents in a shoot-out, rather than trying to grind out a close victory.

In recent weeks, the Lions offense has been a little out of sync.   Combine the absence of a running attack, poor blocking in passing situations, and a more mysterious general lack of offensive output, the Lions offense doesn’t appear as explosive as it did when the season began.

The Lions have positioned themselves quite nicely to place themselves within the conversation as a potential playoff contender.   If they are able to continue to run the ball as effectively as they did against Tampa Bay with Kevin Jones and T.J. Duckett, they might be able to rediscover whatever element of their passing game has been missing in recent weeks.

Jon Kitna doesn’t seem to have the rhythm with his receivers that he had earlier in the year.   Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald, in particular, should really benefit from teams attempting to game plan for Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson.  During recent games, they have been a little invisible.

Roy Williams, given his rare combination of size and ability, needs to step up his game.   In recent weeks he hasn’t exhibited the ability to make plays that the Lions need.  As a veteran, he needs to assert himself and not disappear in games. 

The passing game will need to be present on the road this Sunday against the Bears.   The Bears will likely slow the Lions ground game, so it will be up to the Lions offense to put pressure on the Bears with their passing attack. 

The Bears will employ a conservative, plodding offensive game plan to keep the Lions offense off of the field.  The Lions will need to score when they are given the opportunity under this scenario.