Oct 7, 2012; Pittsburgh , PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) recovers a fumble as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) looks on during the first half of the game at Heinz Field. The recovered fumble was overturned as Vick was ruled down by contact. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

We’ve seen where the Eagles are weak: possession of the ball. In five games, they’ve lost eight fumbles (Michael Vick accounts for five of those) and thrown six interceptions, with a -7 total turnover ratio.  To the suprise of anyone who follows common trends of how to win the NFL, the Eagles have managed to win three of those games.

It’s pretty clear the kind of football that Vick plays: multi-dimensional with elite speed and a decent enough arm. In order for him to be effective, or, what HE thinks is effective, he works to scramble, get out of the pocket and throw on the run. He doesn’t often slide. He turns to run before he turns his head. He keeps a loose grip on the ball.

So, while the Eagles have had moderate success with so many turnovers, the Lions stand the best chance of winning by getting to Vick early in the game.

That begins with the defensive line, a group of guys that need to be on point for this game, lead the defense and earn their salaries.

2010 began the era of the Lions’ high-profile defensive line. First it was the signing of Kyle Vanden Bosch. It was an exciting time bringing in a proven veteran knowing that he’d be right at home playing for Jim Schwartz, his defensive coordinator in Tennessee. Combine KVB with the newly-acquired-via-trade defensive tackle Corey Williams, and the Lions had a solid core of veterans heading up the front line.

Then came the NFL draft where the Lions were all but settled on taking a defensive tackle. Would it be Gerald McCoy, the All-American Sooner, or Ndamukong Suh, winner of the Bednarik and Lombardi awards and Heisman candidate out of Nebraska? They went with the latter, and supported by his Rookie of the Year campaign, it appeared to be the correct choice.

Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces defensive tackle Nick Fairley (Auburn) as the number thirteen overall pick to the Detroit Lions in the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

In 2011, it seemed improbable that the tackle out of Auburn would drop into the Lions’ lap at 13th overall after at one point being projected to be selected first. That’s exactly what happened, and fans in Detroit rejoiced, knowing that with the raw talent of Nick Fairley, they had all the pieces to be the most tenacious defensive line in the league.

Then it was the emergence of Cliff Avril, who based on his numbers in 2011 (11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles), earned himself a nice long-term contract. Seemingly knowing something that the rest of us did not, the front office in Detroit wouldn’t shell out “Jared Allen” type money. It was all the commotion with several people (myself including) demanding they “pay the man.” Eventually, the crisis was temporarily averted with the franchise tag; fans knew that Cliffy would have at least one more year in the D.

Lastly came the semblance of  depth when guys like Sammie Hill, Willie Young and Lawrence Jackson were making role-player type plays. The local media was quick to crown these guys as the next big thing- guys that would start for almost any other team and that would put pressure on the Lions starters to play up to their potential.

This year, those eight guys (Vanden Bosch, Suh, Williams, Fairley, Avril, Hill, Young and Jackson) are guaranteed $20.5 million. It’s not a ton of cash considering Avril’s franchise tag accounts for half of that, but let’s remember, there were many contracts restructured this last off-season, so next year’s hit is going to hurt. Suh and Vanden Bosch are slated to earn over $16 million just by themselves in 2013.

Anyway, the hype was all very exciting, and to some extent, it still is. The Lions have at their disposal a platoon of guys

Aug 10, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive line lines up against Detroit Lions defensive line during the second half of a preseason game at Ford Field. Cleveland defeated Detroit 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

that are more than capable of being a part of the most dominant defensive line in the entire National Football League.

In 2012, that hasn’t happened. Not even close. But all that can change in one game, and if the Lions want a signature win to help turn around this disappointing season, Sunday against Philly is it. A win, and the momentum swings tremendously.

This Sunday, the job of the front four is simple: push that Eagle offensive line further and further into the backfield each play. Get your hands up on passes. Pursue the flats and clog the middle on running plays. Make the secondary’s jobs so easy that they can watch from the sidelines.

And most importantly: make Michael Vick cough the ball up so often he’ll need to leave Lincoln Financial Field and pick up a prescription.

1Q 11:43- Jason Hanson is true with a 47 yard field goal. Lions lead early 3-0.

Sep 23, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) hands off to Detroit running back Mikel Leshoure (25) against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE

1Q 8:12 – Not a ton of offense to this point. Matt Stafford misses Brandon Pettigrew on a seam route. He’s missed this about three times so far this year on wide open routes from Pettigrew.

1Q 6:41 – Lions settle again for a field goal, this time Hanson hits from 52 out. Lions up 6-0.

1Q 2:07 – Detroit with a stop on third down and the Titans settle for a field goal of their own. Rob Bironas hits from 31. Lions still lead 6-3.

1Q :33 – After Calvin Johnson’s catch was ruled incomplete upon review, Lions on to punt. Ben Graham leaves it low and short; the short hang-time allowed the Titans to set up the trick play that resembled the Music City Miracle of 2000. The punt was fielded and lateralled backwards across the field to Tommie Campbell who takes it up the sideline untouched for a touchdown. 10-6 end of quarter.

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2Q: 14:20- Ben Graham is hurt, Jason Hanson to punt. Solid kick.

Sep 23, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans corner back Tommie Campbell (37) returns a kick for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US PRESSWIRE

2Q 13:00 – 61 yard pass to Jared Cook. Missed tackles, I mentioned before the game that defending the tight end would be a key matchup. They let him sit right in the middle of the field, he turned and burned the secondary. Big, fast. 17-6 Titans

2Q 9:54 NO HUDDLE for a good change of tempo, Mikel Leshoure one-cuts up the middle and picks up 12 yards. Followed immediately by a Titus Young 10 yard reception.

2Q 6:30 – Jim Schwartz calls a timeout on 3rd and 2. Titans were breathing hard, on their heels. Titans got time to reset, Lions get stopped and settle for another field goal. 17-9 TEN

2Q 1:35 – Jake Locker with a 33 yard run. Into Detroit territory.

2Q 0:00 – Rob Bironas sneaks a 38 yard field goal insdie the upright. Solid 2 minute drill from Tennessee, up 20-9 at halftime, Titans to receive first in second half. Stafford 14 completions for 83 yards.

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3Q: 12:40 – Cliff Avril with a neutral zone infraction (4th Lions NZ infraction to this point). Makes it 3rd and 4 instead of 3rd and 9. Titans get four yards on the next play for a first down.

3Q 11:21 Lions get a stop on third down, but a defensive holding call on Chris Houston keeps them on the field. Long drive by the Titans now. Defense is tired.

3Q: 9:30 – Drive ends with a missed 41 yard field goal by Rob Bironas. Big break for the Lions.

3Q: 9:10 – Calvin with his second catch. Runs a skinny post from the slot and picks up 29 yards.

3Q: 6:36 – Mikel Leshoure one yard run for a touchdown. Lions finally put it in the end zone after a nicely orchestrated

Sep 23, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Detroit Lions running back Mikel Leshoure (25) rushes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE

drive by Matthew Stafford. TEN leads 20-16.

3Q: 2:18 – Another good, long drive by the Titans ends with another missed field goal by Rob Bironas, this time from 48 yards out. More good field position for the Lions.

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4Q  12:44 – A holding penalty on first and goal stalls their drive. Stafford found Titus Young open in the back of the end zone but he couldn’t grab it. He was also out of bounds. Another Jason Hanson field goal, Lions pull close now down 20-19. According to Tim Twentyman, it’s the first time in Hanson’s career that he’s had back-to-back games with four field goals made.

4Q 12:44 – Jason Hanson finally shows signs of…aging? Ensuing kickoff goes out of bounds. Titans to start at their own 40.

4Q 11:50 – Detroit finally forces a turnover. Kenall Wright catches it on a hook route, turns and Chris Houston pokes it out from behind. Ball was recovered by DeAndre Levy at the Tennessee 46 yard line.

4Q 8:40 – Leshoure up the middle for a gain of two and a first down. Leshoure eclipses the 100 yard rushing mark in his first professional game. According to Dave Birkett, he’s the first Lion to rush for 100 yards in his first career game since Billy Sims did it in 1980 (153 yards).

4Q 6:53 – First and goal from the 3 yard line. Stafford with play action to Joique Bell and hits Nate Burleson who ran up the seam from the slot.

4Q 6:53 – Lions down by 5, so they go for two. Stafford rolls out on a designed play to move the pocket and finds Burleson again who leaps up and comes down with it. Lions now lead 27-20.

4Q 6:41- On the ensuing kickoff, special teams killing the Lions again. Darius Reynaud takes it back 105 yards for a

Sep 23, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) catches a pass over the back of Detroit Lions corner back Jacob Lacey (21) during the second half at LP Field. The Titans beat the Lions in overtime 44-41. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US PRESSWIRE

touchdown. Bironas PAT knots it up at 27 apiece. 14 points from the Titans on special teams.

4Q 4:02 – 3rd and long, Stafford is sacked for a loss of eight. Lions punt to the Titans, who do not take it back for a touchdown.

4Q 3:11 – Titans waste no time scoring. Jake Locker floats a pass down the left side of the field to Nate Washington who leaps up and catches it behind the back of Jacob Lacey, who had his head turned. Safety John Wendling was way late in help coverage. Incredible catch then Washington walked 71 yards into the endzone. Titans up 34-27.

4Q 2:00 – Two minute warning. Stafford’s looking solid on this late game drive. Already advanced it to the 47 of the Titans.

4Q 1:16 – 2nd and 10, disaster for the Lions. Stafford completes to Brandon Pettigrew for a gain of 8 yards. Pettigrew turned up field and Alterraun Verner just takes the ball out of his hands. Ruled a fumble, Verner takes it 72 yards for a touchdown. Pettigrew just had that loose grip and Verner was hawking for the ball. Lions are going to need a real quick score and an onside recovery.

4Q 1:16 – Shaun Hill in for Matt Stafford who has a ball cap on on the sideline. Stafford may have tweaked his ankle trying to run down Verner after the fumble. Hill completes to Joique Bell for 9 yards and there’s no urgency. Appears the Lions are giving up.

4Q 1:01 – Pass complete to Calvin Johnson for 20 yards. He goes over 100 yards receiving on the day.

4Q :47 – Kristina Pink reports that Stafford has a strained leg muscle. He’s currently not receiving treatment on the sideline, but rather standing and walking around gingerly.

4Q :18 – Four yard touchdown pass form Hill to Calvin Johnson. Titans still lead 41-34. Lions need a miracle.

4Q :16 – Onside kick from Jason Hanson is kicked down the sideline and it bounces past the Titans. Amari Spievey picks it up and runs it down to the 46 of the Titans.

4Q :07 – Last play. Shaun Hill does his best Doug Flutie impression and throws it into a pile of receivers in the end zone. It’s knocked down and into the hands of Titus Young who falls forward for a score! Hanson PAT ties it up and we’re going to overtime! 14 points in 20 seconds.

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OT – Titans win the coin toss and elect to receive. Remember, if the Titans cannot win the game on an opening possession field goal.

OT 14:08- 1st and 10, Titans toss it to Chris Johnson who tries to misdirect. It’s contained well by Kyle Vanden Bosch

Sep 23, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans corner back Alterraun Verner (20) and linebacker Akeem Ayers (56) celebrate victory over the Detroit Lions at LP Field. The Titans beat the Lions 44-41 in overtime. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US PRESSWIRE

and the Lions swarm him in the backfield. Loss of 8.

OT 12:52 – 3rd and long for the Titans. Jake Locker scrambles for 8 but they’re bailed out by a defensive holding call on rookie Bill Bentley. First down Titans at the 48 of Detroit.

OT 12:12 – 2nd and long after another tie of up Chris Johnson in the backfield. 24 pass to TE Craig Stevens up the seam. Add on 15 more yards due to a helmet-to-helmet collision from Stephen Tulloch. Bonehead penalties from this defense are just give the Titans every chance they need. First down Titans on Detroit’s 17. They need to hold them to a field goal.

OT 12:12 – Ruling on the field is REVERSED. Huge break for the Lions, but they still have to pay for the personal foul. First down Titans at Detroit’s 39.

OT 10:41 – Quick throw out to the flat. Damian Williams only picks up 7 and it’s 4th and 3 for Tennessee.Kicking team is on the field.

OT 10:37 – Rob Bironas is true from 26 yards out. Titans up 44-41. If Detroit gets a touchdown on this drive, they win it. A field goal, then the next score after that will win it.

OT 9:14 – Shaun Hill airs it out to a place where only one man can catch it. Extra high for Megatron and he hauls it in for 25 yards. Lions are moving. Note: Leshoure not in, Joique Bell has been taking all the snaps at RB.

OT 6:53 – Leshoure checks in and receives the check down pass. He’s up-ended and falls forward near the first down marker. After a measurement, he came up about a foot short of the first down. 4th and inches. Offense stays on the field to go for it.

OT 6:35 – 4th and inches. Shaun Hill plunges forward on a sneak. Appears that he got across the line, but there was a fumble on the play. Measurement comes up short. Review is upheld and the Titans win.

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Final – Titans 44 Lions 41. Final Box Score.

If notable comeback victories over the Vikings, Cowboys and Panthers from last season weren’t enough for you, the Lions delivered another teeth-grinding performance against the Rams. The defense’s performance was very strong and kept the Lions in the game as they struggled early on the offensive end. The fourth quarter belonged to Detroit as their last two drives of the game produced 14 points, covered 160 yards and took off only 4:11 of clock time on 14 plays. It’d be nice to have this kind of production early and throughout the game, but for it only being Week 1, a win is a win.

• Run defense has improved; secondary played well but  injuries more of an issue

Sep 9, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions linebackers DeAndre Levy (54) and Justin Durant (52) tackle St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) during first quarter the at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

Steven Jackson is probably a bit past his prime, but he’s still one of the most dangerous backs in the league. The Lions held him to 53 yards on 21 carries (2.5 YPC). He had a long run of nine yards. The defensive line was consistently able to get up underneath the Ram blockers’ shoulder pads and get good push into the backfield. Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch filled the gaps well and there were few missed tackles.

Pass defense was also impressive. Granted, Sam Bradford has yet to really amaze anyone with his limited options at wide receiver, but the Lions’ secondary did well to keep the Rams out of the end zone for most of the day. Bradford only threw for 198 yards and wasn’t able to bust out any big plays. His longest throw was that incredible 23 yard touchdown toss to Brandon Gibson. With reports that Bill Bentley has a concussion, the task to continue their success becomes more difficult next week. Until Chris Houston returns, Drayton Florence would likely take Bentley’s spot as a starter opposite of Jacob Lacey with Kevin Barnes moving to the nickel.

• The offense advanced the ball well

Especially in the first half, the Lions had no problem picking apart the Rams’ defense to get down in the red zone. They executed well by throwing several five to eight yard passes and getting solid runs of four or five yards. It was a little bit of a different approach as we’re used to seeing big-gain throws down the field, but it was efficient and clock consuming. Obviously those great drives were trumped by Stafford’s errant throws to the other team, but the ease of getting first downs was encouraging.

• The old guys can still get it done

Jason Hanson made history when he took the field Sunday by being longest tenured NFL player for a single team in history (21 years). Hanson was perfect on the day, going 3/3 on extra points and hitting both field goals of 41 and 45 yards. Kyle Vanden Bosch looked like a twenty-something year old as a part of that powerful front four. He had four tackles, got great push and was able to get in the backfield at times. The aging offensive line played very well, only giving up one sack on the day and providing lots of time for Stafford to throw.

• Kevin Smith made a case to keep starting role

Sep 9, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith (30) stiff arms St. Louis Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) during first quarter the at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

There wasn’t anything flashing about the running game Sunday aside from Smith’s long run of 19 yards. Beyond that, it was simple and efficient when needed. Joique Bell got the goal line touchdown early and Keiland Williams saw the field briefly, but the job was Smith’s from the start. His timely two touchdowns and good pass protection for Stafford should put Lions fans’ minds at ease about the availability of a solid, healthy running back. Mikel Leshoure still has another week of the regular season to sit out due to his suspension and Jahvid Best is out until at least week 7. Smith took advantage of the opportunity and was an enormous factor in the fourth quarter comeback. He’s set up to keep getting touches and being the starter even when Week 3 arrives.

• NFC North lived up to the hype

In July, NFL.com picked the NFC North as the second best division in the league, second only to the NFC South. I know it’s only the first week, but when you’ve got two big comebacks like the Vikings and Lions had in addition to an easy win for the Bears, it’s something to take note of. This division has also been regarded by several other outlets as the one with the best quarterbacks. Today was a good indicator that we’re in for some exciting intra-divisional games as the season progresses.