Lions vs. Raiders Week 9 Scouting Report: Jon Gruden’s inconsistent group
2 players to watch for the Lions
Marvin Hall – Hall has been an absolute gem of a find, mined by general manager Bob Quinn in September after he failed to make the Chicago Bears’ roster out of training camp. He’s given the Lions a legitimate deep threat, particularly when lined up in the slot, a somewhat unusual position for a team’s fastest receiver.
He seems to make only big plays; he is averaging an incredible 40.2 yards on his five receptions. His speed could be an issue for the Raiders’ suspect group of defensive backs, and the Lions should look to him early again on Sunday.
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Da’Shawn Hand – At long last, the Lions’ versatile second-year defensive lineman made his season debut last week, after missing the first six games with an elbow injury. Hand’s presence was immediately felt as the Lions were able to hold the Giants to 80 rushing yards, by far their lowest total surrendered on the ground this season.
Hand was also able to bat down a pass and should see an uptick in playing time from his 40 defensive snaps last week. The Lions’ defensive front has underachieved this year, and don’t discount Hand’s absence as a big reason why.