Bye weeks can be just as beneficial as they can be detrimental. There’s no telling how this contest will go for the Detroit Lions.
Having a record of 3-3 isn’t ideal, but it could be worse. Getting back on track to a winning record will be difficult for the Detroit Lions, but it can be done.
Hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers won’t make matters any easier.
Establish the run early
Pittsburgh makes life hell on opposing quarterbacks. Stopping the run is a different story. Detroit would be wise to start on the ground before taking flight to help open up the pass.
Matthew Stafford won’t make it out alive if the Lions get in a lot of third and long situations. You would think the Steelers are the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) of the NFL with how deep they are at pass rusher, rolling them in and out like a hockey line. Exploiting their weakness on defense will help the Lions score points as well as control the time of possession, which keeps the opponents offense off the field.
Force the quarterback to win the game
Ben Roethlisberger was contemplating retiring before the 2017 season. So far his play (9 TD, 8 INT) is a good indicator that he more than likely hangs up the cleats at the conclusion of this season. Forcing the Steelers go airborne isn’t as scary like recent years.
Le’Veon Bell has been the key for success, but if you slow him down, Big Ben isn’t as capable to win the game himself. Even though his offensive line does well protecting him, pressure has affected his judgment in a way that is not Roethlisberger-esk.
His best day are behind him, which bodes well for Detroit. If the Lions make it too easy for Pittsburgh, it’ll be a long, frustrating night.
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Special teams need to play well
A combination of kicker Matt Prater nailing all of his field goals and punter Sam Martin drilling his punts is a necessity to win. The Lions need all the points they can get and they can’t give up field position to such a good offense. Getting help from the return units to shorten the field is vital because that Steeler defense is stingy.