Detroit Lions: Game plan for beating the Arizona Cardinals
Opening up the season against the Arizona Cardinals will be no easy task. The Detroit Lions need to stick to their game plan to earn the W.
There isn’t just one way to victory. In the NFL, your game plan is always subject to change from week to week. This week against the Arizona Cardinals, it will be crucial for the Detroit Lions to not fall short of executing the proper game plan.
These few easy steps can get a win for the Lions . It won’t be easy and the Cardinals should win their fair share of battles. What ultimately matters is winning the war.
Prevent the big plays
Anyone who thinks the Lions are going to shut down Cardinals running back David Johnson is sadly mistaken. What will be critical is being able to not just prevent him from busting long gains, but ensuring the Cardinals don’t go deep. The Lions can’t over-commit to stopping just one player because other players will benefit from it.
Arizona’s’ offense heavily relies on the long pass. They will test opponents in the short game then catch you off-guard when you least expect it. A bend-don’t-break mentality on defense for Detroit is needed as well as discipline to stay in position.
Cause some turnovers
It is well-known how good Cards’ Johnson is, but he has weaknesses like any other player. That very weakness is fumbles.
Getting that ball out and giving it back to the offense is very important because the Cards will move the ball well. Another player in particular has an issue with turnovers as well.
Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer is very easily rattled if he is pressured by an opponents pass rush. Considering he is not the fleetest of foot, if the Lions’ pass rushers can cause some havoc and get Palmer off his game, the Cards could very well fold under pressure. Detroit doesn’t necessarily need sacks to win, just enough pressure to force some ill-advised throws that Palmer seems to routinely make.
Establish the run
Believe it or not, Arizona hasn’t been as effective in stopping the run as they have in the past. Where their strength lies is defending the pass. They have two All-Pro caliber players in the back end with Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson and both should rarely be tested in coverage.
Detroit has a very pass-happy offense, but in order to be efficient through the air, they need to establish the run. Balance will be necessary to throw off the Arizona defense. With an effective run game, it will give the Lions a shot to make some throws down-field against the slew of impressive defensive backs the Cards have.
Get in field goal range
I anticipate a very combative game that will be decided by a score. If that’s the case, the Detroit Lions need all the points they can get. Matt Prater is exactly the kicker you want on your team in these tough matchup.
From 50 yards+ in 2016, Prater never missed. He also holds the distinguished pleasure of kicking the longest field goal in NFL history (64 yards).
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With that kind of leg, all Detroit’s’ offense needs to do is be methodical and patient when moving the ball down the field. Touchdowns would be nice, but if conservative play-calling results in field goals and limits the risk of turning the ball over, there’s not much Arizona can do to stop that.