Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles Preview
By Aaron Meckes
Oct 14, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver
(81) stiff arms Philadelphia Eagles cornerback
(23) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Lions defeated the Eagles 26-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Lions Passing Offense vs. Eagles Pass Defense
Matthew Stafford enters the game needing 175 passing yards to surpass 4000 on the season. He has 27 touchdown passes on the season, but has been inaccurate at times, throwing 14 interceptions. All-world wide receiver Calvin Johnson has 12 touchdown catches on the year. The rest of the Lions receivers combined have caught five. The Lions have received solid efforts as of late from Brandon Pettigrew, and Joseph Fauria is a proven threat in the redzone. Reggie Bush has been plagued by dropped passes but is a threat in the screen game. Detroit’s offensive line leads the NFL with just 15 sacks allowed.
The Eagles pass defense has allowed nearly 300 passing yards per game, good for worst in the entire NFL. They have showed some turnover potential, intercepting 15 passes on the season, led by Brandon Boykin’s four. Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams are both physical, aggressive corners and will start at the outside positions, while Boykin will play primarily in the slot. Safety Patrick Chung has struggled in coverage but his counterpart Nate Allen might just be playing the best football of his career. Look for the Eagles to use bracket coverage against Calvin Johnson, similar to what the Lions saw against Tampa Bay after Darrelle Revis left the game with an injury. Philly has been successful living by the “bend but don’t break” approach, giving up a lot of yards, but holding off opponents from scoring. Currently the Eagles have given up 21 points or less in their last eight games.
In Philadelphia, where early weather reports predict 38 degree weather with possible snow, it’s likely we see Matthew Stafford’s struggled with accuracy continue. However, against the statistically worst pass defense in the league, it’s Advantage – Detroit