When the Lions have the ball
The Lions simply have to be better up front on offense against the Chargers than they were last week against the Cardinals. Tackles Rick Wagner and Taylor Decker struggled to contain the Cardinals’ edge rushing attack. Decker was particularly ineffective, registering one of his worst career performances, including being called for four penalties.
It won’t get any easier against L.A., as Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are one of the most dangerous edge rushing tandems in the NFL. Decker was limited all week in practice with a back problem, and if he is unable to play, Tyrell Crosby would step in. Crosby endured a rough preseason, and could need help from one of the Lions’ tight ends in containing whichever Charger defender is lined up across from him.
Speaking of tight ends, what will T.J. Hockenson do for an encore? The Lions’ prized rookie set the NFL record for the most receiving yardage by a tight end in his first career game (131), and could be looking at another big day against an undermanned Chargers secondary. Derwin James, the Chargers All-Pro safety, is currently on Injured Reserve with a stress fracture in his right foot. He would likely draw that assignment.
In his stead, expect to see another former All-Pro defensive back, Adrian Phillips, attempt to cover Hockenson for much of the game.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford will likely look to take advantage of that matchup, as Hockenson was constantly able to separate down the seam and on the outside against Arizona. The Lions could also be at an advantage on underneath routes, as slot cornerback Michael Davis is hobbled with a hamstring issue. Receiver Danny Amendola also had a fine debut for Detroit, with 104 yards through the air and a touchdown. He could be an issue for L.A. in three receiver sets.
When given time in the pocket, Stafford was excellent last week, throwing for 385 yards and three scores in his first game under new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. They would like more production out of their top two wideouts; Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones combined for only 96 yards against the Cardinals. They will have a tough matchup against Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward Jr., one of the finest at his position in the league.
On the ground, the Lions will be looking for a better showing after their top two tailbacks, Kerryon Johnson and C.J. Anderson averaged well under four yards per tote in Week 1. The Chargers on the other hand, were ripped apart in their Week 1 win over the Colts on the turf, surrendering 203 rushing yards. Should the Lions come anywhere close to that total, the Chargers won’t have a chance.
With a sizable lead against the Cardinals in the fourth quarter, the Lions struggled to run their offense, punting on all three of their possessions in that frame. If the Lions can do a better job of picking up first downs on the ground this week, they will be in much better shape.