Lions at Eagles Week 3 Scouting Report: Key weapons missing
Special Teams
Matt Prater, the Lions’ ever-reliable placekicker, had a rough Week 2, missing a 40-yard field goal and an extra point. There is certainly no need for concern at this point, particularly considering the shaky kicking situations in many NFL cities. Still, Prater could use a bounce-back week, especially in what could be a close game. Punter Sam Martin has been solid to begin the season, already dropping six punts inside of the opponent’s 20-yard line.
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The rest of the unit has been difficult to watch, piling up penalties and struggling to gain much traction in the return game. Punt returner Jamal Agnew was benched after losing a fumble for the second week in a row (luckily it was nullified by a penalty).
In his place, rookie Ty Johnson could see some snaps on returns and will look to improve on the Lions’ dreadful 1.7 yards per punt return average.
Special teams gaffes and penalties often lead to losses on the road in the NFL and rest assured that correcting those issues has been a major point of emphasis for the Lions in practice this week.
Another game with too many mistakes in the third phase could lead to even more significant changes.
Eagles kicker Jake Elliott hasn’t missed a kick yet this season, though he has yet to attempt a field goal beyond 41 yards. The Eagles’ return units have been solid so far. Do-it-all Darren Sproles is still producing in multiple phases at age 36 and is averaging 10.8 yards per punt return on the year.
Containing him will be a major focus for the Lions, and could help wash away the bitter taste of their special teams shortcomings from the early part of this campaign.