Here we go, Thanksgiving comes around again. Good food, good family time, and good football (That is, if you are the fan of the team playing the Lions)

When the schedule first came up and I saw that we got to play the Patriots on Thanksgiving, what the heck? There have been complaints to end the tradition, which will never occur, because the game is never competitive. So why give us this match-up, seems almost hopeless?

Well, while it is unlikely, it is not hopeless the Lions pull out a win. As we have seen this year in the NFL, any team can win, at anytime, anywhere.

So, how do the Lions win this match-up? Keep the engine firing smoothly and powerfully. The running game is in shambles with injuries and lack of blocking. So do not even try to run I say. Except on some draw plays and third and short, keep the running game extremely limited, because that is what it is anyways- limited.

If the Lions win, it will be in a shootout. Our secondary, while definitely improved, goes up against a genius at QB, a mastermind of the game, and a perfectionist at knowing how to win. IF (big if) the secondary somehow, shuts down Brady, they still have to deal with two explosive young backs in Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Who, if the D-Line does not show up, can each take one to the house in a screen or simple run.

Now, can our offense keep pace? Yes. If we pass and limit stupid penalties. Young corners, Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington have surrendered on average 300 yards and 2 TD to opposing QB's. That being said, Shaun Hill is capable of putting up good numbers, and against these two corners, whom our WR's greatly outmatch, he can definitely keep pace. Thats is, if the first play of 20 yards or more is not called back by a Peterman Personal Penalty or a Raiola Hold.

(Also if the Lions want to win, Special teams or Defense will need to score once, IMO) 

Lions win - 34-31

or

Lions lose- 35-20

Thoughts?

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone at POD! Go Lions!!