Detroit Lions Weblog

Week 15 Preview: Lions Vs. Chargers, or Six in a Row!

The Lions played a surprisingly credible game last Sunday at home against the now 12-1 Cowboys. Amid a five game losing streak, it appears that the Lions have not entirely given up on their season and their long shot hopes for playoff contention. That being said, given the Lions performance on the road, especially during Matt Millen’s 30-79 tenure, it is difficult to imagine that the Lions will find the means to win on Sunday.

As far as playing the Chargers goes, they are far from the 14-2 Super Bowl contender they were in ‘06. They have battled internal enmity between Phillip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson, inconsistent play under the guidance of the mediocre Norvell Turner, and a confidence-laden defense that features a Super Bowl champions Ravens-style bravado, without the results to show for it.

As far as playing the Chargers goes, the Lions need to do their best to limit the damage done by an effective LaDainian Tomlinson. If they are able to keep him shackled, and maybe limit him to just one TD, they may have a legitimate shot. I believe that if you force Phillip Rivers to have to put the ball up to Antonio Gates, Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson and company, the Lions may be able to pose a threat by returning to their ballhawking, turnover-generating ways from earlier in the season.

I also think that if the Lions can exhibit the balanced offensive attack that they did last week against the Cowboys, they will be able to control the clock and keep the Chargers off of the field.   The Chargers are likely without LB Shawne Merriman and DE Luis Castillo, which will help the Lions, and Jon Kitna, to feel a little more confident.  The Chargers still feature LB Shaun Phillips who can be nearly as disruptive as Merriman.

The Lions kickoff coverage unit has been a complete disaster.   The Chargers feature a capable returner in Darren Sproles who can completely alter the game’s outcome if the Lions coverage units aren’t effective.   The Lions can’t afford to have to concede the 40-yard line by pooching their kickoffs, either.

As excited as I was with the thought of the Lions capturing an unlikely upset against the Cowboys, Chargers, or Packers, as the season wears on, it seems to be increasingly less likely that the improbable will occur.

Team the Tomlinson 31 Lions 20