The second factor the Redskins will face can be summed up in the immortal words of Jim Mora. Yes, that is correct. In all the euphoria of the Redskins four game win streak, it has not been said enough that the Redskins currently hold one of the Wild Card spots in the NFC. They hold a one game lead over the Rams, Eagles, Giants, and the team that will be on the other side of the ball on Sunday. This game holds early playoff implications, as a win would improve the Redskins's conference record while putting the Lions two games behind them in the Wild Card. The Redskins already have one loss that will come back to haunt them later in the season in some way (the loss to Dallas), so there should be a hint of playoff atmosphere against a team the Redskins have not beaten since 2008. It will not be an easy out as the Lions look to stay in the playoff race, but here are the key aspects of the game.
The Lions Giveth, and Lions Getteth: The Lions give just as much as they get. Their offense is dangerously efficient as they have eight less drives than the Redskins, but average almost two points more per game. Those stats are good enough for a scoring percentage of 44.6%, which is 7th best in the league. They also have the second best plays per drive (6.9) and third best yards per drive (37.4) in the league, which means that their offense can move the ball for long periods of time. The problem is that their defense allows other teams to do the same. The Lions are giving up scores on 46.6% of opponents drives, which is second worst in the league, and allowing a league worst 39.3 yards per drive. Couple this with the Lions defense only forcing four turnovers all season and giving up a league worst 73.7% completion percentage, and Kirk Cousins should be looking to have a field day. The key will be to keep Matt Jones involved in the run game and utilize short passes to beat the Lions at their own game. The Redskins are right behind the Lions in scoring percentage and yards per drive, so they should be looking to exploit a Lions defense that likes to keep teams on the field. The team that wins the offensive possession and efficiency battle will have the upper hand. If the Lions are able to score on a majority of their drives and the Redskins cannot answer, the Redskins may be forced into a pass happy offense that could get them in trouble. The Lions, though, may be more equipped to handle a high paced game with the addition of their new superstar.
Starscream Now Leads the Decepticons: When Calvin Johnson left after last season, the Lions were staring at an offense whose second leading receiver was Theo Riddick. Enter Marvin Jones, who has been born again hard after leaving AJ Green's shadow in Cincinnati to become the Starscream to Johnson's Megatron, and who is leading a deceptively formidable receiving core. Golden Tate and Anquan Boldin showed last week that the Lions have claws outside of Jones that can tear up defenses, and the Redskins should take notice. Jones and Tate can stretch the field with their speed, and Boldin is that guy who can kill defenses on possession routes and red zone plays. The Josh Norman Wheel of Fortune will be spinning out of control this week, and it will be up to Joe Barry to use Norman in a prudent manner to keep the Lions's hot receiver in check. It will also be up to Barry to continue this defensive renaissance because it will be where the Redskins win or lose this game.
Defensive Pressure: The Redskins defense has pressure on it. The offenses this week are evenly matched, and it will come down to which defense can get the other offense of the field by any means necessary. Turnovers may be at a premium for the Redskins defense as the Lions have only turned the ball over five times this year, but the Lions have also allowed 15 sacks. With the absence of Theo Riddick this week, Stafford has lost one of his safety valves that may force him into longer reads. The Redskins front seven must continue to get pressure and not force Barry to commit corners and safeties to the QB pressure cause. If that happens we may see either Tate or Jones go for some
big gains. It is also interesting to note that the Lions have more rushing attempts than the Redskins this season but average 20 yards less per game. The Lions still gave 19 carries last week to a combination of Zach Zenner and Justin Forsett, and with the Redskins still allowing 124 yards per game on the ground, look for the Lions to feed the ball to their running backs to keep short down and distances. If the Redskins allow the Lions to have anything more than moderate success on the ground it could be a long day for the defense as they may find themselves on the field for long periods of time. The Redskins's front seven needs to have a big day in run stoppage and pass rush in order to take the pressure off the secondary who will have their hands full.
All of this leads to another game where the Redskins's resiliency will be tested. The Redskins reborn running game needs to be in full effect, and they should use all three backs to keep Detroit's defense on it's heels. Look for a healthy amount of screen passes from the Redskins as well in order to keep the pass rush at bay. Running backs against the Lions are averaging almost 7 receptions for 49 yards a game, so don't be surprised by a big receiving day for Thompson, Jones, and Kelley. Look for Jones to have a more rounded stat line that may be less than 100 yards rushing, but over 100 yards total offense due to receiving yards. This game will go back and forth, but the Redskins will be able to keep the ball for longer periods of time due the Lions not being able to get off the field. The Lions will come out running in order to negate the pas rush and lull the Redskins defense into a stupor. Cousins, though, will lead a potent attack that will have at least one passing touchdown of over 30 yards which will break the game open. The opportunistic defense will be able to turn the Lions over at least once, and they will win the third down plays enough to give the ball back to the offense at critical times. The Redskins prevail, and go into Cincinnati with a five game win streak.
Redskins win 30-24
big gains. It is also interesting to note that the Lions have more rushing attempts than the Redskins this season but average 20 yards less per game. The Lions still gave 19 carries last week to a combination of Zach Zenner and Justin Forsett, and with the Redskins still allowing 124 yards per game on the ground, look for the Lions to feed the ball to their running backs to keep short down and distances. If the Redskins allow the Lions to have anything more than moderate success on the ground it could be a long day for the defense as they may find themselves on the field for long periods of time. The Redskins's front seven needs to have a big day in run stoppage and pass rush in order to take the pressure off the secondary who will have their hands full.
All of this leads to another game where the Redskins's resiliency will be tested. The Redskins reborn running game needs to be in full effect, and they should use all three backs to keep Detroit's defense on it's heels. Look for a healthy amount of screen passes from the Redskins as well in order to keep the pass rush at bay. Running backs against the Lions are averaging almost 7 receptions for 49 yards a game, so don't be surprised by a big receiving day for Thompson, Jones, and Kelley. Look for Jones to have a more rounded stat line that may be less than 100 yards rushing, but over 100 yards total offense due to receiving yards. This game will go back and forth, but the Redskins will be able to keep the ball for longer periods of time due the Lions not being able to get off the field. The Lions will come out running in order to negate the pas rush and lull the Redskins defense into a stupor. Cousins, though, will lead a potent attack that will have at least one passing touchdown of over 30 yards which will break the game open. The opportunistic defense will be able to turn the Lions over at least once, and they will win the third down plays enough to give the ball back to the offense at critical times. The Redskins prevail, and go into Cincinnati with a five game win streak.
Redskins win 30-24
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