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New York Jets at Detroit Lions stream, odds, keys, and more

By George Stockburger

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets warms up before a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets warms up before a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 30: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions looks on while playing the Cleveland Browns during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 30, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 30: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions looks on while playing the Cleveland Browns during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 30, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Keys for the Detroit Lions

Find a running game

It’s been five years since the Detroit Lions have had a running back rush for 100 yards in a game. That’s an astounding stat, but when you look at who they’ve had in the backfield it’s not surprising. Ameer Abdullah, Jahvid Best, and Zach Zenner aren’t running people over anytime soon.

Not since Reggie Bush on Thanksgiving in 2013 have the Lions had that 100-yard game.  It’s time to finally get over the hump and have not just a 100-game, but a 1,000 yard rusher, something else they haven’t had in years.

The Lions brought in LeGarrette Blount, a quality veteran who has two Super Bowl rings, and drafted Kerryon Johnson in the second round out of Auburn. Hopefully one of those two takes the reins in Detroit and picks up a 100-yard game.

Disrupt Sam Darnold

It’s time for Matt Patricia to throw some curveballs at the rookie quarterback and have some fun with his defense. Darnold was impressive in the preseason going through his reads and making smart decisions with the football, but he’s about to get a whole new level of nasty thrown his way.

It’s time to send Ziggy Ansah after Darnold over and over and get your $17 million franchise tag worth out of him.

Detroit only had 35 sacks last year, 20th in the league, but didn’t do much other than retain Ansah to improve. Could rookie Da’Shawn Hand from Alabama be that next guy? Hand finished his senior season with just three sacks, though that tied his career high with the Crimson Tide.

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