As the Detroit Lions try to avenge an embarrassing blowout loss from last Halloween, here are three key matchups for Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The dawn of a new NFL season is finally upon us. The time has come for the optimism that filled fans during training camps to either be vindicated or to turn to disappointment. Optimism has flowed to incredible highs for the Detroit Lions, especially over the last few weeks. Fans are excited to see what 2022 has in store for the Lions and whether the rebuild is headed in the right direction.
The Lions’ season will start against a foe that humiliated them just a season ago: the Philadelphia Eagles. It was Week 8 last season when the Eagles marched into Ford Field and kicked the Lions up and down the field, bludgeoning them by a score of 44-6.
Detroit is obviously hoping for a much-improved effort this time around. There are plenty of reasons to believe it can happen. There is a ton of young talent in Detroit that hopefully helps the team take the next step in the rebuild process. However, the Eagles are also one of the more complete rosters in the NFC. They will provide a difficult Week 1 test for these Lions.
Can the Lions reverse their fortunes against the Eagles this time? Here are three key matchups to keep an eye on this week.
Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 3 key matchups for Week 1
Matchup 1: Lions interior defensive line vs Eagles interior offensive line
Back in the aforementioned Halloween clash between these two teams, the Eagles ran the show, literally, with 236 yards on the ground via 46 attempts (5.1 yards per carry). They also turned 19 of those rushes into first downs. The Lions’ defensive front, and front seven, got pushed around all day.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts only threw the ball 14 times for them to put up 37 offensive points last season. Stopping the run is of paramount importance to slow the Eagles’ offensive attack, including containing Hurts as a runner (71 yards on seven rushes in last year’s matchup).
The Lions invested heavily in the edge rusher position this offseason, but the middle of the defensive line remains a question mark. With Levi Onwuzurike’s status up in the air, it seems like Alim McNeill will anchor the 3-tech spot, with a combination of Isaiah Buggs and newly claimed Benito Jones occupying the nose tackle role. Michael Brockers and Aidan Hutchinson will certainly factor into the interior defensive line equation as well.
If Detroit can’t get stops on first and second down, it’s going to be another very long day against the Eagles on Sunday.