The New York Jets are headed into Ford Field to try and extend the Detroit Lions' losing streak to two, but that task is easier said than done.
Detroit should have some much-needed reinforcements in their trenches back for this game, and New York may be without their WR2, Adonai Mitchell, after a hand injury suffered ahead of Week 3.
The Lions can only control themselves, though, and there are three specific players we should be watching to make a real impact in this contest.
4 Lions that have to step up against Jets in Week 3
Blake Miller
Miller is set to return on Sunday, per head coach Dan Campbell on Friday. That's a big plus for the Lions' offensive line, as they're set to deal with one of the top defenses in the NFL. Specifically, he is likely to be tasked with containing fellow rookie David Bailey for much of this game, which could swing things in the Lions' favor.
When pressured so far this season, Jared Goff is 14th in EPA per play. When not pressured, he has a positive EPA/play, 0.14, which is 12th overall in the league. Keeping him clean could be key to not only allowing him to get the ball in the air to his first read, but to getting a rhythm going early against New York.
Miller plays a huge part in that pass protection.
Alim McNeill
In the Lions' other trenches, McNeill figures to be one of the teams' most important player to help shut Breece Hall's water off. The running back has had a fairly average year so far, averaging 3.4 yards per carry with a total of 131 rushing yards through two games. But, with the weather a non-factor this week compared to the rainy mess that the Jets' offensive line and Hall had to deal with in Week 2, you could assume Hall will have a better game if he can't be contained.
READ MORE: Love for Aaron Glenn ahead of Week 3 should make for an emotional game for Lions
That's where McNeill factors in. He's a key cog to the Lions' interior defensive line as a pass rusher and run stopper, and he could be a major disruptor in this game if he's able to overpower New York's guard room.
Christian Izien
With the Lions' safety room fairly depleted at the moment, it's time to rely on another round of "Legion of Whom" type moments to carry them into Brian Branch's availability. Izien has to be impactful with Thomas Harper potentially out for this game, and with Avonte Maddox certainly out after season-ending foot surgery.
Izien was brought in as a versatile DB who could slot in at cornerback or safety, but safety is the room with the greatest need for simply available players. He figures to be just that for Detroit in this game, and he could have his hands full if Mitchell does play on Sunday.
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