Oct 28, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Leroy Hill (56) pressures Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Detroit won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

Matthew Stafford vs. Perceived Pressure

Many Lions fans are placing blame for the lackluster performances displayed by their team, but sadly, much of that blame has been misplaced. People are quick to point the finger at the defense, and who can blame them considering the amount of media coverage garnered by this unit heading into the season. The truth, however, is that the defense has given the Lions offense every opportunity to win, in every game with the exception of the loss at Tennessee (If you disagree, view the Bears game as a microcosm of this entire season).

The truth is, although many simply refuse to admit it, that the vaunted Lion offense simply hasn’t been good enough. And Matthew Stafford also has not been good enough. Statistics will tell you that the Lions have a potent passing attack, and that Stafford is very efficient, amassing solid numbers. Unfortunately these numbers don’t tell the real story; the story of the first three quarters of each game, where the defense gives the offense opportunity after opportunity with no result. Statistically the Lions are saved by the fourth quarter, when teams have a three score lead and revert to their prevent defenses. Unfortunately the Lions learned some awful habits last season. Too many times they escaped after falling behind, and rallying in the fourth. Too many times did Stafford make a play throwing off of his back foot, or into double coverage. These bad habits were not only learned, but conditioned with success last season, and that success just doesn’t translate long term.

The biggest problem facing the Lions is the atrocious game plans and play calling of offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, who has a history of short lived success followed by failure due to his inability to adjust (See the Randy Ratio).  But good players can overcome bad coaching in this league, and Matthew Stafford has the ability to be a great player in this league if he can break out of his bad habits that he has fallen into.

Watching the games from this season, one alarming difference from last year can be seen in Stafford’s play. Matthew Stafford is playing scared. In 2011 Stafford took a lot of hits, because he stood in the pocket, and delivered the ball under pressure. The 2012 version of Stafford doesn’t step up in the pocket, he steps out of the pocket instead. Stafford is avoiding pressure, that in many cases, doesn’t exist. This plays into the hands of any defense, as Stafford has been ineffective on the move, and it neutralizes the ability of the offensive tackles to run defenders past the pocket. Almost all of Stafford’s interceptions this season have been when he has fled the pocket, or simply not stepped into his throws, which is true of most quarterbacks. What is surprising is that on many of these throws, there has been no real pressure, and no reason not to use proper mechanics.

Whether Stafford has lost faith in his offensive line, or is afraid of taking the beating that he took last season, the Lions cannot win, cannot overcome predictable play-calling, without him making perfect throws like he did last season. Even with flawed mechanics, even with unnatural throwing motions, Stafford has the ability to make plays like no other quarterback in the NFL, when he is not afraid.

Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-US PRESSWIRE

The Lions returned to .500 last Sunday with a victory over Jacksonville, and have an opportunity this week to get into position for a stretch run that is overloaded with home games. Believe it or not, if the Lions win on Sunday, they will actually be in possession of the final wild card spot for the NFC with seven games remaining. The downside is the Lions have the toughest remaining schedule out of the embattled NFC teams, facing six opponents with winning records to end the season. Regardless of the uphill climb ahead of the team, this is an opportunity to shun the disappointing start to the season, and possibly have relevant games in December once again this year.

Detroit Linebackers vs. Adrian Peterson

Whenever a team faces the Vikings, Adrian Peterson is priority number 1. Corralling AP will be even more of an emphasis this week for two main reasons. First, Christian Ponder’s efficiency has cooled in recent weeks, and he has started to show flashes of his rookie self. In two of the last three games, Ponder has thrown for less than 60 yards. One of those lackluster performances came with the benefit of Adrian Peterson running wild, and Ponder was still unable to take advantage of a defense focused on the run. The Lions’ pass coverage has not been nearly as porous as expected this season, outside of the loss at Tennessee. The Lions defense is growing more and more confident by the day, which has shown through Gunther Cunningham’s willingness to bring more blitzes, mix coverages, and commit to playing towards the defense’s strengths, rather than playing to hide their weaknesses.

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Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Lions will have to string together multiple victories before they can truly be considered contenders once again, however, Sunday brings an opportunity to get back to .500 as the team heads to Jacksonville. The Lions have been unable to build off of the success from their first two victories, as each was followed by a tough loss. The team can’t afford another step backward this week against the Jaguars if they have any aspirations of remaining relevant in the second half of the season.

Blaine Gabbert vs. Lion Secondary

Detroit’s defense has steadily improved throughout the season, but with the exception of Michael Vick, they continue to make opposing quarterbacks appear to have Joe Montana type efficiency. Sub-par quarterbacks such as Alex Smith, Russel Wilson, and Jake Locker have had stellar outings against Detroit, and the Lions will likely be missing key parts from their secondary this week. Louis Delmas re-injured his surgically repaired knee in the 3^rd quarter against Seattle, and although Ricardo Silva did an adequate job in his stead, the absence of Delmas will be felt on Sunday. With Bill Bentley sidelined from a concussion, fellow rookie cornerback Jonte Green has taken advantage of the opportunity. Green may not be as talented as Bentley, but he has looked better in single coverage, specifically defending against deep passes.

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