The Detroit Lions are still struggling to score in the first quarter.
While Jake Bates has done a great job so far keeping the Lions on the board with field goals when they're unable to get into the red zone in the first frame, they have been their own worst enemy on their first few drives.
After scoring a touchdown on their opening drive against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, they have not been able to score a touchdown on their opening drives since then. A mix of more conservative play-calling in addition to going away from their game plan has made it impossible to get momentum on their side early. And then, their defense has just let teams march down the field right after those failed drives.
They should be able to finally get back into a scoring habit against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5, though. The Cardinals are allowing an average of six points per first quarter, tied for 24th-worst in the league so far. They're also allowing 117.5 rushing yards per game. Detroit has to hammer Jahmyr Gibbs in the first quarter if they have a shot at masking their defense's woes.
Lions dominating the 1st quarter should be a priority in Week 5
Getting going early will be key to winning this game, as Arizona has a very potent set of weapons on offense that are being masked by their deficiencies at quarterback. Jacoby Brissett has struggled to get the Cardinals' offense involved, but they also haven't faced the worst passing defense in the league yet.
READ MORE: Lions' flexibility with secondary should inspire some confidence in a bounce back
Against the Lions, Brissett could not only help Michael Wilson and Trey McBride look elite, but a struggling Marvin Harrison Jr., as well. It'd be equal parts embarrassing and expected to see the Cardinals suddenly look competent in their passing game.
Gibbs could be much improved with a Cade Mays return vs. Cardinals
Gibbs could use some additional help up front to get his game going. Despite an excellent start from him, the Lions still only rank 20th in rushing success. If Cade Mays returns in this game, that could help the Lions along even more in their pursuit of a truly dominant first quarter against the Cardinals. Mays is a great run-blocker, and he could help the Lions' guard room improve on that front, too.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will likely be looking to show off against his former team, and doing so through a classic Gibbs game would absolutely do the trick.
Add us as a preferred source on Google