Lions Analysis:  Lions 38 (10-5)   Chargers 10 (7-8) <..."/> Lions Analysis:  Lions 38 (10-5)   Chargers 10 (7-8) <..."/>
Fansided
Fansided

Lions Week 16 Analysis: Early Christmas Gift for the City of Detroit

By Editorial Staff

facebooktwitterreddit

Lions Analysis:  Lions 38 (10-5)   Chargers 10 (7-8)

Summary:

In most blowouts: turnovers and an abundant of big plays are the cause.  In this game it was just sheer dominance from the Lions on both sides of the field.  The Lions defense only had one sack and 2 interceptions that happened late in the 4th quarter but the Lions defense simply stopped everything the Chargers offense tried to do.  The Lions offense marched down the field with ease all game long.  If the rest of the league was watching this game….I think they want to avoid the Lions in the playoffs.

Matchup outcomes:

  1. 1.       Chargers Passing Game vs. Lions Pass Defense:                Advantage: Lions Pass Defense.  Phillip Rivers was off all game long.  The Lions Defensive Line made him move around more than he likes but the Lions secondary rose to the challenge.  Even though the Lions secondary was dwarfed in size by the Chargers Wide Receivers they fought and battled and simply out willed the Chargers players.  This was the Lions secondary best outing this season.  Chris Houston returning from injury happened just in time.   

 

  1. 2.       Chargers Rush Linebackers vs. Lions OT:               Advantage: Lions OT.  Lions protection was the real key in the game.  Chargers did have 3 sacks but most came on coverage sacks or an all out blitz.  Most of the game Stafford was able to go through his progressions.  Backus and Cherlius should be proud about their performance this Saturday. 

 

 

  1. 3.       Chargers Run Offense vs. Lions Run Defense:    Advantage: Lions Run Defense.  Lions jumped on an early lead and took the run game out of the equation for the Chargers.  Lions run defense kept the Chargers run game under 100 yards on the day.  The Lions back seven did an amazing job flowing to the ball and tackling Matthews right away.  Stephen Tulloch has really had a quiet, yet major impact on this defense.  Some consider him a young London Fletcher….I cannot disagree.

 

  1. 4.       Lions Pass Offense vs. Chargers Pass Defense:  Advantage: Lions Pass Offense.  Chargers had given up under 200 yards of passing on average per game to opponents.  Stafford threw for just under 400 yards, completed nearly 80 percent of his passes, and threw 3 touchdowns to 0 interceptions.  Chargers were at Stafford and companies mercy all night long.  Brandon Pettigrew really stepped up this game and made many clutch 3rd down receptions. 
  1. 5.       Chargers OL vs. Lions DL:              Advantage: Tie.  Lions Defensive Line ruffled the feathers of Phillip Rivers.  Rivers had to move out of the pocket more than he likes to.  That being said the Lions defense only had one sack.  I think both sides did a good job….though Cliff Avril did make an amazing interception near the end of the game.  Would someone please resign Cliff Avril this minute.

Questions Arisen:

  1. 1.       With Matthew Stafford heating up and the Lions defense forcing turnovers; is there any reason to think the Lions might not make a post season run?  This team is heating up at the right moment and is a very dangerous 1st Round opponent. 

 

  1. 2.       Brandon Pettigrew has great ability and potential but will he ever become consistent enough to be regarded with the elite Tight Ends in the NFL?  Pettigrew is a great blocker and shows great athletic ability.  He has series of drops that come from a lack of concentration.  If Pettigrew can overcome this facet in his game he will be a top 5 TE in the NFL. 

 

 

  1. 3.       Can Cliff Avril keep this kind of production up after signing a large contract?  There is no reason to believe Cliff Avril will lower his work ethic after signing a large contract.  Avril is a gym rat and has become a big student of the game.  Most can be attributed from Kyle Vander Bosch’s influence.  Avril is only 25 and is still improving.  It is vital to the Lions defense that they are able to resign him this offseason. 

What’s Next?

Lions go to Lambeau Field.  Lions have not won there since the late 80’s.  The Packers might have clinched home field advantage by that game and might rest their starters early in the game.  For the Lions they might be playing for the 5th seed in the playoffs.  One thing is for certain, these two teams do not need a reason to play against each other.               

Home/NFL Draft