Detroit Lions Week 1 Review: The Good and the Bad
By Alex Reno
Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is unable to make a catch while being defended by Detroit Lions strong safety Glover Quin (27) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Bad
The Safety Position
Going into this season most of the criticism has been on the secondary, but primarily on the cornerback position. Last night it was the safety position that was all out of sorts, especially with Glover Quin sidelined.
James Ihedigbo is considered day-to-day, but missed last night’s game with a shoulder injury. Isa Abdul-Quddus came in to replace Ihedigbo at the strong safety position, but I believe he’s much more suited as a free safety.
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Glover Quin left the game briefly leaving many concerned, but luckily it appeared to be minor and he came back in to finish the game. With Quin out, the Lions were forced to put undrafted free agent Jerome Couplin III in the game, and the Giants quickly took advantage marching down the field and scoring a quick touchdown before Quin could make it back onto the field.
Jason Jones
I may be reaching here as there were hardly any significantly poor performances from last night’s game, but does anyone remember Jason Jones even being on the field? Apparently he played 41 snaps opposite of Ziggy Ansah, but I don’t remember him affecting the game whatsoever.
Jones played well for the Lions last year during the preseason, but he was nearly invisible for the 87 snaps that he played prior to his knee injury sidelining him for the rest of the year. Hopefully he can regain his confidence and make some plays in the backfield, otherwise we’ll be seeing more of guys like George Johnson and Devin Taylor.
Bill Bentley
The future is not looking bright for Bill Bentley. Just three snaps into last night’s action and Bentley took an awkward fall that some believe may be a torn ACL after being carted off into the locker room. It’s sad to see him go down to yet another injury, and if he does indeed sit out for most of the year, he will have just one year left on his contract going into next season with a whole lot to prove.
With Bentley out, the Lions were forced to replace him with rookie cornerback Nevin Lawson who actually did a solid job of holding Victor Cruz to just two catches for 24 yards. It looks like Lawson will take over nickel duties moving forward.
Honorable Mentions:
Corey Hilliard, Dominic Raiola, Jeremy Ross, Joique Bell, Eric Ebron