Detroit Lions X’s and O’s: Sobering Situations

The Detroit Lions 1-1  NFL Preseason record hasn’t particularly highlighted the true malfunctions in their play execution.

There’s a bias approach to evaluating the NFL Preseason. When a team renders a victory, fans and analyst persist on praising the performance of the team. But if they lose, fans and locals will proclaim that it is “only the preseason.” Well considering  that the Lions have won and lost one game, how should critics grade their performance? Regardless of how balanced their record seems to be, the beating they experienced against the Bengals last Thursday has to cause them much sobering. Before I expound, Let’s take a look at the X’s & O’s.

The turnover friendliness the Lions have shown forth over these first two preseason games is unacceptable. Two QB Matthew Stafford fumbles (one in the red zone against the Steelers and another against Cincinnati which the Lions were able to recover), and two thrown interceptions by QB Dan Orlovsky (which went for touchdown returns) has to cause concern for the Lions. The passing game is a game of fluidity and the QB drills the Lions are currently putting forth are obviously not intense enough to mold Stafford. This is by far not a demerit to Quarterback Coach Brian Callahan but a notification that Stafford isn’t like Peyton Manning who has innate footwork. Stafford is a shuffle master the second he feels the pressure build in the pocket and this will cause a problem down the road if not reproved. His drop backs need to be quick and sound. 3-steps and go or 5-steps and go. On the 32 yard 1st quarter toss to Marvin Jones, Stafford’s  footwork was so disturbingly shaky I’m surprised no one had even taken notice. 

The Lions need to execute in the red-zone to ignite the crowd and defense. Early in the game last Thursday, on the 1st drive, the Lions marched all the way into the opponents red-zone territory and were unable to get a touchdown. The success of the Lions defense will be strongly predicated on whether or not they are able to play with an lead in contest. Detroit cannot force their defense to be subject to the run or pass because the opponent has the lead. Again, this particular variable relies strongly on red-zone efficiency. In Week 1, Stafford fumbled in opponents territory, in Week 2 he simply could not cash in on the attempts Jim Bob Cooter allotted. Below is a prime evaluation of a Lions package used last week against Cincinnati.

“Play Evaluation” Presented by Larryjrnfl.com. 

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Above is a 3rd & Goal attempt from the 6 yard line. Offensive Coordinator Jim Bob Cooter used a basic Shotgun formation with 3 WR’s (Jones, Boldin & Tate), 1 TE (Wick), and 1 HB (Riddick) as eligible receivers.

Immediately, the QB’s responsibility is to read the defense. Judging by the positioning of the LB’s, the Bengals are in a Cover 2 defense. Now, whether or not this is a Cover 2 Zone or Man is something Stafford needs to work on being able to quickly identify.

As the play develops, the DB’s remain in man while the LB’s stay in zone. This identifies the play as a Cover 2 Man. Thus, TE Cole WIck is left wide open on an out route (top of above picture). Because of Stafford’s failure to read the defense, and his stricken feet of anxiety, he forces the ball into double coverage (Tate in middle of the field) and causes the Lions to settle for 3 points. Also, observe the fact that neither one of his feet are planted on the turf during this throw. All and all, the End-Zone painting isn’t the only modification needed to improve Lions splendor. Stafford needs to execute these plays as an alleged elite in this League.