The Detroit Lions are set to catch a huge break in Week 4, with ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting that Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker is unlikely to play in primetime. That's a big blow to the Panthers' offense, which is averaging 299 passing yards per game in major thanks to Coker's connection with quarterback Bryce Young.
The Panthers still have a few viable options on offense to go to in this game, including wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and tight ends Tommy Tremble and Darren Waller. They've also got running back Chuba Hubbard in tow, which could be a pain point for a Lions defense struggling to stop the run.
However, no Coker means that Detroit's secondary can be a bit less pressured in this game, as he is Carolina's top receiver.
Lions' secondary catches a break with Coker news
Headed into this week, the Lions seem primed to hand some greater responsibilities to Ennis Rakestraw Jr. after he did a solid job in coverage against the New York Jets in Week 3. With how poorly both Rock Ya-Sin and D.J. Reed have performed early on this year, the team has to see what they have with the rest of their depth.
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They also might still be poking around on the secondary trade market as indicated by head coach Dan Campbell this week. He told reporters that, while the Lions were in on Joey Porter Jr., them losing out on him to the Dallas Cowboys will not preclude general manager Brad Holmes from making a move before the November deadline.
Detroit's pass rush has to show out against Panthers
The Lions' pass rush will be a big key to tamping down Carolina's passing game. The teams' safety room and linebacker room has been struggling to find consistency this season, so the threat of the Panthers just over-utilizing their tight ends in the absence of Coker is very real. So, ensuring that Young doesn't get off many clean looks from the pocket will be key to assisting the secondary in this contest.
The Panthers will have rookie tackle Monroe Freeling back for this game, but they'll be without their top offensive lineman, Damien Lewis. The left guard rarely gives up pressures or sacks, so losing him is a big blow to Carolina's game-planning against the Lions' improved pass rush.
If the defensive line can't put pressure on Young, the onus will be on the Lions' secondary. We've seen through three games how bad of an idea that is at the moment.
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