Is the sting gone yet Detroit Lions fans? As of right now, we are five days remove from the Lions heart breaking loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the closing minutes of Monday Night Football. Now the Lions must go up against a familiar opponent that always gives them nothing but trouble, the Arizona Cardinals.
It doesn’t seem that way now, but this should be a fun game to watch for both fan bases. Let’s take a look at what to watch for if you’re a Detroit Lions fan.
Calvin vs Patrick
This is a premier match up that will make any NFL fan excited. So, far Peterson has controlled all prior meetings, limiting Megatron to under 100 yards receiving yards in each meeting. It’s no surprise that the Cardinals were able to win all those meetings. Can Calvin Johnson get going on Sunday afternoon and win this battle? If he can, the Lions have a much better chance to win.
Levy is back
Just what the Dr. ordered for the Lions defense. Having Levy back improves the Lions run defense as well as offering a lot more protection in the passing game over the middle. This guy can chase down your receiver too. It’s a very important addition for the Lions that could help the improving defense swing things their way.
Will Matthew Stafford and the offense get rolling?
One can only hope that the Lions can find their identity this week. The key once again is going to be for the offense to run an up tempo game filled to the brim with urgency if they hope to pull out a win. This will keep Matthew Stafford on his feet and keep the Cardinals defense honest enough for the Lions to attempt to get the run game going. If Joe Lombardi finds something that works, he’d be best served to stick with what’s hot rather than try to impart what’s not in hopes that it works out.
Oct 5, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell yells at an official during the fourth quarter in a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Can the Lions pull it off?
Straight up, the Lions have o choice but to find a way to win today. Going to 0-5 puts the final nail in the coffin of the season as well as the perception of Caldwell’s staff and the entire Martin Mayhew era. That’s how important this game is in the grand scheme. If the Lions can get it done, they find themselves in a series of very winnable games against opponents with a combined record of 6-10 through week four. If it’s going to happen, it needs to happen today.
Mike Payton is an Editor at SideLion Report. He is from Holland, Michigan by way of Warren, Michigan. He considers himself to be obsessed with the Detroit Lions. Mike’s work has been featured on ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, CBS Sports Radio and si.com. Mike is also a weekly contributor on It is what is with Sean Baligian on ESPN 96.1 and a contributor for The Holland Sentinel. Follow Mike Payton on Twitter@SLR_Mike
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