Detroit Lions: 3 keys to victory in their Week 1 matchup
By Kellen Voss
Pressure Sam Darnold, make him uncomfortable
New York Jets starting quarterback Sam Darnold will make his NFL debut tonight, and will, in turn, set a record in the process.
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At 21 years and 97 days old, Darnold will be the youngest quarterback to start a season opener in the super bowl era.
It’s important to remember that Darnold will be making his debut at Ford Field, where a large pack of Lions fans will be roaring at him constantly. And he will be in prime time, as the game will be broadcast on ESPN, where millions will be watching the first Monday night game of the year.
Any football player would be nervous in a situation like that, especially when said player has never played in a regular season NFL game before, is barely above the legal drinking age, and has looked shaky so far this preseason. The defensive line for the Detroit Lions needs to get in the backfield and keep Darnold as nervous as possible.
The motor city defensive line has not exactly been consistent in recent years. Former pro bowler Ezekiel Ansah did have 12.0 sacks last season, but he has struggled to stay healthy his entire career.
Ansah and the rest of the Detroit front seven need to reach Darnold because if he doesn’t time to operate in the pocket, he’ll do what all young quarterbacks do: panic and make a stupid decision.