Looking to notch their first win of the new season, here are three key matchups for the Detroit Lions in Week against the Washington Commanders.
Week 1 of the new NFL season was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for the Detroit Lions. There were plenty of positive and negative takeaways to be had from their 38-35 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now the focus shifts to this week’s opponent, as the Washington Commanders are coming to town. Washington is coming off a nail-biter 28-22 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1.
Detroit is actually favored in this game, with optimism surrounding the team staying high despite the Week 1 loss. With how the offense roared back to life in the second half led by a phenomenal performance by D’Andre Swift, it’s easy to justify the high hopes. However, the Commanders are no cakewalk. They may not be seen as playoff contenders, but they do have some very nice pieces on their roster who could pose issues for the Lions
Here are three key matchups to watch for the Lions on Sunday.
3 key matchups for the Detroit Lions vs. the Commanders in Week 2
Matchup 1: Lions linebackers vs. Commanders RB Antonio Gibson
In the aforementioned Commanders’ win over the Jaguars last week, Gibson proved to be an essential part of the offense. He ran the ball 14 times and added seven catches on eight targets. He finished the day with 130 total yards (72 receiving).
Gibson’s pass-catching ability is the main point of emphasis. If Detroit’s linebackers can work to take away one of the top options through the air for Carson Wentz, it will force more downfield shots and subsequently more potential mistakes.
Are the Lions’ linebackers up to the task? That remains to be seen. A week ago they were too busy trying to defend the run. While that will be a focus again this week, Washington doesn’t have the offensive line or the ultra-mobile quarterback to make the Lions’ life harder the way Philadelphia did. J.D. McKissic is also a proficient pass catcher out of the Commanders’ backfield, though he took a back seat to Gibson last week.
Whoever draws coverage responsibilities against Gibson in particular (Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, Derrick Barnes or even Chris Board) will have to be up to the task on Sunday.
Matchup 2: Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson vs. Commanders offensive line
In his NFL debut, many fans were hoping to see what made Hutchinson worthy of the second overall pick in April. While he may have done his job in containing the quarterback in the second half after a few overzealous reps in the opening two quarters, the flashes weren’t really there. So naturally, there was some overreaction out there.
This week the hope, or even expectation is Hutchin has more of an impact. The good news is Washington’s offensive line is good but not great, where as Philadelphia’s is arguably (or maybe inarguably) the league’s best.
If Hutchinson is able to have more opportunities to pin his ears back and rush the passer this week, without having to account for a very mobile quarterback who will gash overpursuit in the pocket for big chunks of yardage on the ground like Jalen Hurts did, chances are he can create plenty of pressure.
If he is able to get it done, it will open up other pass rushers to do the same. Wentz has been known to try to play hero-ball, so the Lions’ secondary could catch some stray throws if the Commanders’ signal caller is under some consistent heat in the pocket.
Matchup 3: Lions WR DJ Chark vs. Commanders CB Kendall Fuller
In the up-and-down Week 1 game against the Eagles, Chark was a symbol of it as much as any Lion–if not more than anyone else. After dropping his first target, then being overthrown on a few deep passes, Chark found a rhythm. He ended the game with four catches (on eight targets) for 52 yards, 22 of which came on a beautiful touchdown to close the deficit to one score.
If Chark can build upon that performance and prove to be a viable option deep down the field, it would open up everything for Detroit’s offense. He’s trying to prove he’s not just a deep threat, and he has an athletic profile and skill set no other Lions’ wide receiver has.
Chark’s primary adversary in the game against Washington should be Kendall Fuller. The veteran has been a solid player throughout his career, but he’s not in the elite class of NFL corners. Overall, the matchup should be good for Chark. If Fuller can’t handle him one-on-one on a regular basis, the rest of the Lions’ passing game would be in line for an easier time.
Expect Chark to get his fair share of targets again on Sunday. He may be able to get loose and haul in a couple of deep shots to keep the Commanders’ defense honest, not to mention likely force the aforementioned help to shade his way.