With playoff implications on the line, the Detroit Lions face their toughest task to date. Turkey Day will be extra exciting this year.
From week to week, teams change. This can be said of both the Detroit Lions and division rival Minnesota Vikings. Since their 14-7 victory in their Week 4 encounter, the Lions hope to close the gap on the division leading Vikings or get a wild card spot.
Defense/Special teams needs to score
As long as the Lions’ offense is getting outscored by opponents’ offenses, the defense will need to put points on the board. Even with injury fill-in quarterback Case Keenum and running back Latavius Murray, this Vikings offense is rolling.
What might be more astonishing is Minnesota’s ability to protect their quarterback. In the past five games, Keenum has been sacked once, while Detroit defensively in that same span have just eight sacks. Advantage Vikings undoubtedly.
Even with these odds, the Lions still find a way to create turnovers. Plus seven is their differential to be precise. Both NFC North rivals are skating through with a lot of help coming from their respected defenses.
Detroit could be without their star returner Jamal Agnew so that means longer field goals for Matt Prater. This inconsistent offense can’t get the team the dub alone, coming together in all three phases is the only way to win.
No turnovers
Typically, turnovers and winning are not associated with one another. In the NFL, the same applies. Detroit will not win the ball game turning it over, unless Minnesota has a complete debacle themselves.
Against good opponents, slow starts won’t work. Don’t believe me? Just look at the losses. The Lions have a good opportunity to prove they are more than mediocre, but a playoff contender with a sweep of the Vikings.
Execution on offense
Play-calling will be a huge determining factor if the Lions win or lose. Matthew Stafford is their best player offensively and overall and their biggest strength is the passing attack.
Letting Stafford sling it around the yard will open holes in the running game to boot, which hasn’t been very effective anyways. If Stafford isn’t careful and doesn’t show better pocket awareness or holds the ball too long, the stellar pass rush of the Vikings will eat him up.
Change the feature running back
Unless I’m seeing things differently, Detroit still can’t run the ball very well. I’m not so convinced this years offensive line is better than lasts, but I’m even more confident that Ameer Abdullah isn’t the answer to unlocking the ground attack. Abdullah is better off in a pass catching /change-of-pace role.
This is conflicting as well seeing Theo Riddick is that player. It doesn’t hurt to have multiple players share a certain playing style.
So if they aren’t the answer, than who is? No one will know for certain, but I’m willing to bet Zach Zenner gives the Lions the best chance of turning the running game around.
Understandably, his 1.6 yards per carry is bad, but mind you that was only 10 carries of work and he still managed a touchdown. Not to mention, nearly every carry was a short yardage rush up the gut behind a banged up offensive line and a defensive lineman and linebacker playing the role of fullback.
The term ‘if it’s broke don’t fix it’ comes to mind because it seems like Detroit’s coaching staff has this mentality regarding their running back situation. Zenner posses all the qualities a true every-down back, so its high time the Lions use him.
Next: Detroit Lions - Slow starts could hamper playoff chances
In the unfortunate but possible event the Lions miss the playoffs, it’s better to try something now than wait later and regret not having made the move sooner. Hard to imagine it being any worse with the keys being handed off to Zenner.