Detroit Lions Week 1 Analysis

Lions Analysis: Lions 27 Buccaneers 20

What Happened:

The start of the game had that old feeling. The Detroit Lions were gaining yards but settling for field goals instead of touchdowns. Buccaneers scored on an interception as well as a FG that was set up by a long kick return. Score was 10-3 and even though the Lions were outplaying the Buccaneers, we were trailing. So what happened? Matthew Stafford happened. These Detroit Lions know they are good and when Stafford struggles he knows it is the exception, not the rule. Second quarter on Stafford could not be stopped. Stafford attacked the secondary at all levels and the passing game was balanced out by a solid run game. In the heat, the team who controls the ball will win the game. How do you stop Calvin, Burleson, Pettigrew, and Best?

What We Learned:

1. If healthy and not under distress, Matthew Stafford is near elite. The offensive line did not allow a sack, though Stafford deserves some of the credit for possessing a quick release. Stafford utilized all his weapons effectively and constantly hit his hot reads throughout the game. In a short period of time, Stafford has Detroit believing in him.

2. Jahvid Best appears healthy. He was a weapon in both the run and the pass game. He might have a big year. However, like Stafford he in an injury risk waiting to happen. For the moment Best appears healthy and ran with surprising power. His running between the tackles was a welcome sight.

3. Detroit Linebackers are much improved. Levy and Tulloch appear to be a sound two-some. Tulloch was key in the game: he contained Blount, sacked Freeman, and was very sound in pass coverage. Levy looks comfortable playing OLB using his sideline to sideline speed and instincts to influence the game. If the LB unit is this sound, the defense will be hard to score on.

Questions That Needs Answers:

1. Dominic Raiola and Stephen Peterman are huge liabilities on the OL. Was it smart not bringing in competition for them? Also if Cherlius gets a few more penalties at crucial times, will he continue to play?

2. Matthew Stafford was limited late with cramps. That was the cause of the offense’s ineffectiveness. For the Lions to be consistent…Stafford needs to stay on the field. The question is can he?

3. It might have been the heat, but the Lions defensive line was held in check. While the Bucaneers failed to run the ball, Freeman’s jersey was mostly clean. The Lions defense survived this week, but can they continue to be effective on days when the DL is slowed down?

What’s Next

Playing the Chiefs at home presents the Lions with an opportunity to be 2-0. When was the last time that has happened? I was much younger, much thinner, and possessed much more hair. That’s when.

Home/NFL Draft