Week 14 Detroit Lions Preview: Lions get back on track stopping Allen and company
By Editorial Staff
Detroit Lions (7-5) vs. Minnesota Vikings (2-10)
This game is vital for the Detroit Lions for three reasons. First, we will see if the message has sunken in that the Lions cannot keep defeating themselves with stupid penalties. Secondly, with the Bears being neck in neck with the Lions conference record becomes important. Lastly, if the Lions cannot defeat a 2-10 team at home than the playoffs are pointless anyways.
What’s at stake?
For the Vikings, simply put, not much. Vikings season at this point is more about the development of Christian Ponder than winning and losing. For the Lions this is their Super Bowl. A win on Sunday would put them at 8-5 and might start the late season push they need to go into the playoffs. With the Bears playing the Broncos, the Giants playing the Cowboys, and the Falcons playing the Panthers…there is a very good possibility the Lions could be the only winners on Sunday for the Wild Card contenders.
Matchups to watch for.
- Jeff Backus vs. Jared Allen: Jared Allen has owned Jeff Backus. Earlier this season he recorded 2 sacks and was in Stafford’s face all game long. I don’t think this will be the case on Sunday. Jared Allen has slowed down from his record setting pace lately. With Allen’s recent comments on Detroit and the fact that Backus wants to finally reach the playoffs…I think Backus gets TE help and shuts Allen down. Advantage: Backus
- Percy Harvin vs. Lions Defensive Backs: Harvin started the season slow but has really picked it up lately. He has been used at Running Back and at Wide Receiver as well as occasionally returning kicks. The Lions are one of the better pass defenses but this is more on the DL than the secondary. Harvin seems to play well versus Detroit. With Chris Houston and Louis Delmas questionable I see this trend continuing. Advantage: Percy Harvin
- Vikings Offensive Tackles vs. Lions Defensive Ends: Phil Loadholt and Charlie Johnson have been sound in run blocking but have been a sieve in pass protection. With Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch playing for the playoffs I expect both to have huge games. Avril is simply too fast for Loadholt who struggles with speed rushers. Charlie Johnson will be in a full game battle with the relentless KVB. If Lawrence Jackson can play and give both Avril and KVB occasional breathers I can see the Lions Defensive Ends having 2-4 sacks in this contest. Advantage: Lions Defensive Ends
- Calvin Johnson vs. Vikings Defensive Backs: Calvin Johnson is having a career year. His numbers have been down lately but most believe that will not last now that Stafford is healthy. Vikings give up a ton of yardage and do not have good speed to size ratio 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 Vikings are not a good team. I do not believe the Lions will continue to defeat themselves. Some will say it is me being a homer but I think the extracurricular activities end this week. Advantage: Lions
Outcome
This game is too vital for the Lions and not nearly as important to the Vikings. I would be nervous if this game was at Minnesota…but it is not. I sense the Lions about to go on a winning streak that starts this week at home versus the Vikings. Ford Field is a loud and hostile place for a veteran quarterback…little alone a rookie. I see a 35-20 Lions victory.