Detroit Lions vs San Diego Chargers Preview: Cliff Avril Leading the Pride
By Editorial Staff
Detroit Lions (9-5) vs. San Diego Chargers (7-7)
Both teams are peaking at the right time. For the Lions, this is the first time in many years they are battling for the playoffs; for the Chargers this is the usual December upswing. If the Chargers lose they are likely out of the playoffs. If the Lions lose they are still in but would put unneeded pressure to win in Green Bay…a feat the Lions have not done in over 20 years. Either way, fans will be in for a treat watching two of the best young Quarterbacks in the NFL battle.
What’s at stake?
San Diegohas basically played playoff football the last 3 weeks and will continue to do so the next two. At 7-7 they need the Broncos to lose again so the Chargers do not control their own destiny. Still, I don’t think anyone wants to play the Chargers at this moment. A win over Detroit would put them at 8-7 and give them reason to play week 17. If the Lions win they clinch a Wild Card spot. If they lose they could still clinch if a numbers of teams lose…that being said it is much easier to get in if they win. A win over the Chargers would give the Lions the needed confidence to make a deep playoff run.
Matchups to Watch For
- Chargers pass game vs. Depleted Lions secondary: Even if the Lions were at full strength I would be nervous for this matchup. With Chris Houston and Eric Wright limited and Louis Delmas questionable I fully expect Rivers and company to go for well over 250 yards a 2-3 touchdowns…that is unavoidable. What the Lions need to do is get a few turnovers. Advantage: Chargers passing game.
- Chargers Rush LB’s vs. Lions Pass Protection: Chargers have struggled to get to opposing QB’s until last week. Lions pass protection has been inconsistent. The Lions have played 4 teams that operate under the 3-4 scheme. In those 4 games they have given up only 6 sacks. I expect the Lions to protect Stafford enough in this game. Advantage: Lions Pass Protection.
- Chargers Run Offense vs. Lions Run Defense: Lions are giving up over 130 yards rushing a game. Chargers are running for an average of about 130 yards. Recently the Chargers have struggled running the ball. I do not expect that to continue this week but the Chargers lack a big play RB, because of that I do not expect the Chargers to exploit this matchup enough. Advantage: Chargers slightly.
- Lions Pass Game vs. Chargers Pass Defense: Last week we all saw what Calvin Johnson, AKA Megatron, can do. The Chargers secondary is far from elite. They will have to commit 2-3 defenders a play to cover him. The Lions have other targets who can exploit this coverage scheme: Burleson, Young, and Pettigrew. I think Stafford and Company will match Rivers production. Advantage: Lions Pass Game.
5. Chargers OL vs. Lions DL: Lions defensive line is finally getting healthy. Suh should be more comfortable this game. Fairley and Jackson are getting healthy as is Willie Young. With a fully loaded DL the Lions can finally rotate their DL they way they want to. During the Chargers 3 game win streak they have only given up 1 sack. The Bills and Jaguars do not have much of a pass rush, but the Ravens do. The real difference maker will be Avril who should abuse Chargers RT Jared Gaither’s lack of speed on the right side. Advantage: Lions DL slightly
Outcome
This game is going to come down to the wire. Playoffs are hanging in the balance of the outcome of this game. The loser could still get in, but their chances are greatly reduced. I think the outcome is based on the Lions getting back Suh, Smith, and maybe even Fairley, Delmas, and Houston. I expect a 35-31 Lions victory.
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