Finally in Week 3, the Detroit Lions will see their first true test of the season. A victory would say a lot regarding where they are as a team.
Taking on the Atlanta Falcons is scary for anybody. NFC Champion is something the Detroit Lions are unfamiliar to, unlike its opponent who won in 2016. This contest will test both teams and will be hard-fought to the end.
Don’t come up empty-handed
I’ll elaborate further. Against a team like the Falcons, the Lions need all the points they can get. Expect a shootout.
Detroit’s own quarterback Matthew Stafford shares a good friendship with Atlanta’s passer Matt Ryan. This Sunday, both veterans will have to put their relationship on ice. That was a Matty Ice reference in case you missed it.
It’ll come down to which quarterback plays better. Stafford will need to do more against a better team. He needs to play on a whole new level and put the team on his back to win this one.
No turnovers
Against weaker teams, the Lions can win games by turning the ball over. Not against the Falcons they won’t.
Giveaways will severely diminish any teams chances of victory against Atlanta. Scoring points off turnovers is their specialty. Playing clean will be vital to overcoming the odds and giving the Lions their third straight win.
Control the clock
Managing the game on offense works well by keeping the oppositions offense off the field. High-flying teams like the Falcons have a lesser likelihood of scoring if their defense is out on the field for most of the day. Good play calling and running the ball are keys to controlling the clock.
Next: Lions: 10 observations from Monday night’s big win
The Detroit Lions will give up what should be a decent amount of points. What matters most is scoring more points obviously but limiting the amount of time Atlanta’s offense spends against Detroit’s defense is important as well.