Information Sourced From: Pro Football Reference
The Questions are Answered… Somewhat
After the Bills game, the questions abounded for the Lions. Could the offense continue to perform at its current level? Could the defense improve in the face of talent deficiencies and all-pro players sidelined? Well thankfully the answer to all these questions is yes, and perhaps the Lions haven’t hit the top end of their abilities yet. Let’s dig in on performances, and what needs to improve to continue achieving victory.
A Franchise Record: 31 for 3
The Lions set a franchise record Sunday, scoring 31 points in each of their first three games of the season. This will help put to bed the questions around offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. It is apparent already that Petzing is a far better coordinator than John Morton was already, and that his offense compliments the players that he has been given. This doesn’t mean things are perfect, the Lions started with two punts and had another slow start. Look for Petzing to continue to try to get up tempo and score early.
Another positive note on offense this week was the ability to get everyone involved. We saw Gibbs doing Gibbs things, with 20 attempts for 99 yards and a pair of scores. Not to mention, his 7 receptions for 65 yards and another score, sealing the hat trick. Vaki got involved with 26 yards rushing and some quality pass protecting. St Brown, Jamo, TeSlaa, LaPorta, Meeks, allngot a piece of the pie this Sunday. With this much production, defenses are going to be hard pressed with who to cover one on one.
Defense: Work In Progress
The Lions defense continued to be a work in progress, players were moved around and roles were changed. The Lions started strong, causing two punts for the Jets. Christian Izien slid in next to Chuck Clark at safety. Izien disrupted the Jet’s offense on 11 tackles (9 solo) 2 of which were for a loss. Clark racked up 7 tackles, (3 solo), and one tackle for loss, as well as the game sealing forced fumble. Neither were a liability in coverage either.
DJ Reed had a tough day, though, to be fair sometimes he was just covering a touchdown. The Lions will certainly look for Reed to step up over the next few weeks if the defense is to improve. Ennis Rakestraw made the most of his snaps, not allowing a completion on 6 targets, and racking up a pass breakup. Rock Ya-Sin looked to be a liability, which was in stark contrast to the end of last year. Jack Campbell struggled again, and questions are beginning to abound about the decision to give him a contract. Roger McCreary should be mentioned too, even if sometimes his coverage was perfect and the pass was still completed.
I do believe there is more “blood to squeeze from the turnip” on defense. If Reed can step his play up, that will go a long way. Young players like Derrick Moore, Bishop Fitzgerald, and Khalil Dorsey need to continue to step up. Brad Holmes also needs to find more defensive backs. We’ll come back to that.
Special Teams: Enter Saylors
Saylors had his way with his opportunities with 2 kick returns for 81 yards (40.5 per return). It was the spark that the Lions return game has been looking for. Where Tom Kennedy is the old reliable Buick that grandma drives to church, Jacob Saylors is the new, shiny sports car. Look for Saylors to get more opportunities.
Kicking continued to impress, with Jake Bakes hitting a perfect game on four extra point attempts, and one field goal attempt. Jack Fox punted twice for 85 yards.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The Jets’ aren’t the best team in the NFL, but they are no slouch either. The Jets’ came into this week ranked as the number one defense in football, and the Lions offense did their work against them. However the question persists, what do the Lions do to continue to win more decisively?
I hear you now, we don’t have enough talent on defense. I alluded to that earlier in this article. This is where Brad Holmes needs to make his money. Get on the phone about Joey Porter Jr. Call teams that are struggling. Find upgrades. I’m not asking for an all-pro corner. I’m asking for an experienced veteran on the depth chart not named Rock Ya-Sin at cornerback. Someone who can limit players, if not completely nullify them. Just keep pushing Brad. I believe the pieces are there, and this defensive line will help to cover much ineptitude in the secondary.
But, at the end of the day, just keep winning. Do that and the stats and rankings don’t matter. My opinion doesn’t matter. That is what will make the Lions a successful team.