Be happy you don’t live in the metro Detroit market this week. Defensively, the Lions are allowing 24 points and 403.2 yards per game. It could be a recipe for disaster, but Arizona has to pinch it very early just like they had against San Francisco. With the overwhelming talent the team had along its line, the Lions could get away with rushing just four and counting on its defensive tackles and ends to regularly win their individual matchups, or when required, beating double-teams. Beyond that, there’s not a whole lot to say about this defense. Kind of looking like they had a chance to win both games with Weeden?
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Another team on a bye this week.
Detroit got screwed by the NFL due to a missed call after Calvin Johnson’s fumble went into the endzone in the final two minutes of Monday Night Football.
If Harold Goodwin has given his offense a key focal point this week, it’ll be “protect the football”. Slay hopes Austin gives him a makeup opportunity this week against the Arizona Cardinals and pocket passer Carson Palmer. Fantasy Tip: Cardinals RB Chris Johnson has run for 193 yards and two TDs on 38 carries over last two games, his best two-game stretch since end of 2013 in Tennessee. The Cardinals picked off seven in the first three weeks.
The second problem for Arizona is a bit more interesting. I feel comfortable taking the Cardinals with that line.
Here’s Todd Gurley’s first big gain of the day. They did better protecting Stafford last week, but they have to open holes for the run game.
Yes, these predictions are certainly taking a pessimistic approach. James Bettcher’s going to have to tighten the screws on his defense if it’s going to remain an elite unit. On the other hand, Carson Palmer has been playing well enough to buoy his team in most circumstances. Several years ago, he said, he injured his knee in a game and when the team traveled cross country the following week, there was additional swelling in the knee.
Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has been with the Lions since last season, but Mathieu wonders if the team still isn’t grasping his offensive system.
So the only question that remains is how long will they stay winless? He’s a gunslinger who makes plays based on his cannon arm, not his ability to be efficient. “I’ve got to have the greats”. Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate have combined for 445 receiving yards and one touchdown while Theo Riddick has 20 receptions. If that happens, the Lions will be able to control the clock and keep Arizona’s offense off of the field. Matthew Stafford leans heavily on him on third down. It wasn’t really a rude awakening with a close loss to St. Louis, but it goes to show that this team is just not all that there. There’s no reason Arizona shouldn’t be able to finish its drives against the Lions on Sunday. It starts with back-to-back trips to Detroit and Pittsburgh.
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This game is another that may come down to the play-calling. If Nelson is healthy, does he get it back from Patrick Peterson?
