Week 13 Lions Analysis: More Self-Imploding as Brees makes MVP statement

Lions Analysis: Lions 17 (7-5) Saints 31 (9-3)

Summary:

The Saints showed their maturity and poise as the Lions well….self destructed. Saints had 1-2 penalties to the Lions 10+. Lions did show toughness coming back from another early hole but as I stated in the preview they cannot afford to go in an early hole versus the Saints. It was too bad for two Lions: Kevin Smith and Nick Fairley, who showed early on their immense talent but had to both leave due to injuries. Another loss for the Lions who need to desperately right the ship.

Matchup outcomes:

1. Lions Run Game vs. Saints Run Defense: Advantage: Saints Run Defense. When Kevin Smith was in it appeared the Lions would be able to run the ball effectively and control the time of possession. Smith ran the ball 6 times for 37 yards and chippedin 6 receptions for 35 yards. He re-aggregated his ankle which took him out of the game and once that occurred the Lions offense went down with him. The Lions finished the game with 87 yards rushing. That number isn’t bad but versus the Saints it needed to be much higher.

2. Darren Sproles versus Lions LB and Safeties: Advantage: Darren Sproles. Sproles had 5 receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. He also had 40+ yards on the ground. His touchdown put the game out of hand.
3. Jimmy Graham vs. Lions Defensive Backs: Advantage: Jimmy Graham. It should be noted Amari Spievy played admirably. Graham still had 8 receptions for 89 yards. Those are solid numbers and like Sproles it always appeared he was open when called upon. Spievy did keep him out of the end zone but given the speed and size he was giving up to Graham there was no hope to slow him down completely.
4. Calvin Johnson vs. Saints Defensive Backs: Advantage: Tie. Calvin Johnson did not have a great statistical day. That being said the Saints put everyone and their mother on him. On some plays they treated him like a gunner on special teams and had two players bumping him on the line of scrimmage. That opened up everyone else. Lions took advantage of this to rack up yardage, but failed to score enough points.
5. Detroit Lions vs. Themselves: Advantage: Themselves in a bad way. When will the Lions learn that their behavior is cancelling out their immense talent? Stupid mistakes and penalties are killing this team. Special Teams blunders and injuries are also destroying them. Jim Schwartz might have to bench/cut some bad eggs this season or in the offseason. Pettigrew and Titus Young need to be sit down and talked to…Stephen Logan can just be cut. I did like Raiola stepping up and venting on those who need tough love.

Questions That Need Answers:

1. Does Cliff Avril deserve the money he is going to ask for this offseason? He is our only speed rusher on the team, but on a season he was supposed to take a big step forward he has been stuck in neutral.
2. Is Matthew Stafford developing happy feet? I always was amazed at his poise and footwork prior to this year…now I see him and it looks like he is auditioning for Happy Feet. To correct this behavior we need to commit to the OL and the run game this offseason.
3. Will the Lions grow up in time to still reach the playoffs? Lions are still tied with the Bears and Falcons record wise for the Wild Card. With winnable games at home versus the Vikings (2-10) and than a trip to Oakland (7-5), it is possible for them to make the playoffs if they win both games. Can they stop self-imploding? Stay tuned.

What’s Next?

Hosting the Vikings at Ford Field. The Detroit Lions need to treat this game like the Super Bowl because it will determine if they have a chance to go to the playoffs. Winning conference games is essential in the tie breaker with the Bears, plus it is the easiest game they have left on their schedule.

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