NFL Week 13 Detroit Lions Preview: Can anyone contain Drew Brees; Not at home
By Editorial Staff
Detroit Lions (7-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (8-3)
Tale of two teams going two different directions. This is what you expect from both teams; Lions are a young and upcoming team who are self-imploding from lack of experience. The Saints are a Super Bowl winning team who has a host of veterans who know how to win in the NFL. The two teams are both exciting to watch and play very similar with the exception of experience.
What’s at stake?
For the Saints it is vital to win this game and stay at least one game up on the Falcons. Saints need to win the NFC South to get home field in the first round of the playoffs. Also, they are right behind the 49ers for 2nd place and a 1st round bye. A Lions victory would set themselves up for a Wild Card in the playoffs. With the Bears and Falcons both hot it is vital the Lions win a difficult game and show they can win against a playoff caliber team.
Matchups to watch for.
- Lions Run Game vs. Saints Run Defense: If the Lions are to have any chance at winning this game it is vital to set up a ball control run game. With Kevin Smith’s status for this game up in the air it will be difficult to do this. With Kevin Smith the Lions have found consistency in the run game albeit over a short period of time. The Saints are giving up about 120 yards on the ground. Advantage: Saints unless Kevin Smith plays.
- Darren Sproles vs. Lions LB and Safeties: Darren Sproles might be the best FA pickup this season. Chargers have been on record saying they miss Sproles presence on offense. Brees has been the lucky benefactor from this signing. Sproles has over 60 receptions and over 800 yards rushing and receiving combined. With Delmas being injured I do not see the Lions containing him. Advantage: Sproles
- Jimmy Graham vs. Lions Defensive Backs: Jimmy Graham has been a monster this season and might be the best TE in the NFL. He has both incredible size, speed, and hands. It is incredible since he only played one season of College Football at Miami. The Lions have shut down opposing TE’s. Louis Delmas has been an eraser but he is questionable for this game. Jimmy Graham is going to post huge numbers in this contest. Advantage: Jimmy Graham
- Calvin Johnson vs. Saints Defensive Backs: Calvin Johnson is having a career year. His numbers have been down lately but most believe that is because of Stafford’s injury which looks to be healed going forward. Saints give up a ton of yardage and do not have good size in their secondary. Calvin Johnson is going to be a man amongst boys and should get back on track. Advantage: Calvin Johnson
5. Detroit Lions vs. Themselves: Lets be honest; the Lions worse enemy is themselves. Costly penalties on defense and offense have stalled themselves and renewed opposition’s drives. Special Team blunders have been back breakers at crucial times. Getting in holes early and costly turnovers have cost them games recently. The Lions have overcome these mistakes against bad to mediocre teams; however, good teams have taken advantage of Lions mistakes. The Saints qualify as a good team and should take advantage of Lions mistakes in a game where the Lions cannot afford to have any. This all comes down to coaching and leadership. Matthew Stafford and Suh have showed immaturity and worst of all so has Jim Schwartz. This attitude was needed to get respect when the Lions had none; now it is holding them back from taking the next step: consistency. Advantage: Saints
Outcome
It is near impossible to go into New Orleansand win. With the Saints heating up and the Lions cooling down I see little hope in this game. Staffordand Kevin Smith’s health will go along way in determining the outcome. Since it is underdetermined if Kevin Smith will play and if Staffordcan throw without a glove I am going to predict a 35-21 Saints victory.