Autumn has officially arrived in Michigan, though much of the past week felt more like summer. As temperatures drop at night and the sun’s intensity diminishes, the Detroit Lions are looking to adapt. Despite showing impressive yardage gains, converting those into points has been a struggle, akin to dealing with an early frost—visually appealing but inconvenient when faced with reality.
This week, the Lions will travel to Arizona, hoping to jumpstart their scoring efforts. Recent performances suggest optimism for a breakthrough today.
Reasons for a Lions victory
The Lions’ offense has been formidable, yet struggles when nearing the red zone. Within the opponent’s 20-yard line, defenses have effectively tightened up, forcing quarterback Jared Goff to make hasty decisions. Aside from a robust overtime touchdown drive by running back David Montgomery in Week 1, opposing defenses have managed to stymie the Lions’ offensive tactics.
However, Arizona’s defense may not pose a significant threat. Their pass rush, with the exception of Dennis Gardeck, lacks intimidation. Furthermore, their cornerbacks, notably Starling Thomas—who was recently released by the Lions—are not particularly effective at coverage or disruption.
Thomas, while showing improvement, was deemed expendable by Detroit, which opted to keep other players in his position.
Defensively, the Lions will face a solid running back in James Conner and rookie Trey Benson. This duo has the potential for good performances but has yet to materialize in the early season. Detroit’s defense has excelled in stopping the run, supported by strong players in the interior line and a deep linebacking corps to maintain control.
On offense
This game presents a chance for Ben Johnson to refine his play-calling approach. If Montgomery is gaining substantial yardage behind a strong offensive line, Johnson is unlikely to abandon the run as he has previously this season. Coach Dan Campbell is expected to support a strategy that prioritizes tangible points over stylistic choices.
Detroit’s pass rush has been impressive, and the combination of Aidan Hutchinson, Levi Onwuzurike, and Marcus Davenport can effectively challenge Arizona’s offensive line. This aggressive pass rush will likely keep their quarterback contained while also creating opportunities for disruptive plays.
Concerns regarding the Cardinals
The main concern for the Lions lies with quarterback Kyler Murray. He is not just a running threat; he has improved as a passer, showing greater precision and timing. If his offensive line protects him well, he can be effective from the pocket.
Murray is also an exceptional escape artist, a quality that has traditionally troubled Detroit’s defense. His ability to generate yardage with his legs could present significant challenges, potentially leading to read-option plays and quick passes that keep defenders guessing.
He also has reliable targets, including rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride. Their matchup against the Lions’ defense could lead to competitive plays and scoring opportunities.
Final score prediction
I anticipate that the Lions’ substantial offensive yardage will finally translate into points on the board. Playing on the road, wearing their all-white uniforms, and maintaining focus on successful plays should bolster their performance. While Arizona may score over 20 points against Detroit’s defense, I expect the Lions’ offense to outpace any points allowed.
Lions 36, Cardinals 31