On Paper: Monday Night Football Edition!
by simscity on Oct 7, 2011 9:31 AM EDT
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PrintLast week, the Detroit Lions completed another unbelievable comeback at the hand of the Dallas Cowboys, edging them out 34-30. I'm not usually one to toot my own horn, but sitting at 4-0, I'm feeling extra cocky this week, especially considering my prediction of 30-27 was pretty close, once again.
This week, the Lions host the Chicago Bears and the Monday Night Football crew. This will be the first time the Lions host a regular season Monday Night Football game in almost exactly ten years (their last appearance was Oct. 8, 2001) and Ford Field will be bumping. The Lions are six-point favorites, according to Vegas, but what do the almighty charts say?
Lions Pass Offense (7th) vs. Bears Pass Defense (29th)
Unfortunately, I jinxed the Lions' perfect chart last week and we are left with one annoying red spot. Matthew Stafford had a rough day against the Cowboys, but managed to somewhat turn it around in the second half. Still, his inaccuracies trickled into the second half as well. Remember that should-have-been-a-touchdown-to-Calvin play late in the game?
Anyway, it'll be something to look for, but likely was just homecoming jitters for Matt. Given that the nation will be watching again, Stafford will need to control those anxieties. In fact, the Lions look like they'll be playing in a lot of big games this year, so Stafford will likely learn to keep a level head and a steady arm.
The Bears' 29th ranking is quite deceptive after looking at the chart. The Bears have faced three of the top five passing offenses, and the other is Atlanta. They have held three of their opponents below their average passer rating, but have given up ratings of over 110 twice. The Bears have eight total sacks (19th in the league), two from Lions-foe Julius Peppers. Other interesting stats: the Bears rank 26th in completion percentage, 17th in interceptions (3), and 17th in yards per attempt allowed. Overall, they appear to be an average, or slightly below average, passing defense.
This comes as great news to Lions fans, who had to deal with one of the best passing defenses last week. If the Lions can contain Peppers like they mostly did with DeMarcus Ware last week, expect big numbers. Lions +3.
Lions Run Offense (29th) vs. Bears Run Defense (20th)
Last week, most fans (myself included) were again disappointed in the Lions' rushing attack. Jim Schwartz, however, disagreed, saying that half of the Lions running plays were "efficient". After looking at the chart, I have to agree that they performed better than previous weeks. Still, the Lions have yet to break out a big run, or strike fear in their opponent with the likes of Jahvid Best and Keiland Williams.
.As you can see, every opponent up to this date has hit the century mark against the Bears on the ground. Once again, everything looks a little below average for the Bears: 20th in overall yards allowed, 28th in yards per carry allowed (5.1) but eighth in rushing TDs allowed (2).
If there's a week for the Lions' running game to break out, this may be it. However, I don't expect it to be a big part of the gameplan, unless they jump out to an early lead. They'll continue to run the ball, but not rely on it. So we end up with a push.
Bears Pass Offense (25th) vs. Lions Pass Defense (12th)
After a very promising start against the Falcons, the Bears passing attack has fallen off the map. They held their own against Green Bay, but so has every other opponent. The Bears are 26th in passer rating (77.8), 31st in sacks allowed (15), and 28th in completion percentage (54.2%). All of the problems that people predicted the Bears would have on offense are coming to fruition. Their pass protection is struggling without Olin Kreutz and with a rookie tackle. The Bears are also lacking a go-to receiver. Matt Forte is their leader in both receptions and receiving yards. Newly acquired First-Down Signaler Roy Williams has only amassed five receptions for 70 yards. This is a unit still struggling to find its identity outside of "check-down to Forte."
After seemingly getting destroyed by the Cowboys' passing attack, it's pretty surprising to see that they actually held the Cowboys right at their season averages. Sure they were aided by a bit of a Tony Romo meltdown, but a lot of credit goes to the Lions defense for taking advantage of his mistakes. Last week aside, it appears the Lions have a somewhat average pass defense, according to the charts. According to raw statistics, however, they look much better. They rank fifth (!!) in passer rating allowed, third (!!!!!) in yards per attempt allowed, and have the third most interceptions (7). As mentioned last week, a lot of that may have to do with weak opponents, but looking at the chart, we see that they've held these teams below their already-low averages (though not by much).
Overall, I expect the Bears to perform at or slightly below their averages. Considering their averages are in the lower third of the league, the advantage favors the Lions +1.5.
Bears Run Offense (20th) vs. Lions Run Defense (20th)
The Bears have struggled with their running game all season. That is, until last week when Forte went wild with 205 yards on 25 carries (8.2 a carry). The Panthers have one of the worst run defenses in the league, but the Bears destroyed their season averages. The Bears rushed for more yards last week than they had in their previous three games. However, despite all of the red, the Bears' running game is better than advertised. They actually rank sixth in yards per carry (4.7). The problem is they have been relying on their passing game. They have only attempted 82 rushes, which is 30th in the league.
Opponents seem to have the Lions' number in the running game. They have used misdirection plays to suck in over-aggressive linemen and it has been working. The Lions are giving up an eighth worst 4.8 a carry and have fallen to 20th in yards allowed. Things aren't all bad, as the Lions have faced some of the best rushing attacks in the league thus far.
Overall, I think the advantage has to go to the Bears here. The Lions can avoid this disadvantage by jumping out to an early lead, but given the way things have gone lately, I wouldn't bank on that. Bears +1.
Overall
The Lions come out with a pretty significant 3.5 advantage. Just looking at the rankings, you can see that the Bears are not the division-winning team that they were last year. Coming into the year, I didn't think I'd be saying this, but this is a game the Lions should undoubtedly win. The first halves of the past two games were scary, but it's the way you finish games, not start them. The Lions have played well at home throughout the preseason and against the Chiefs, so I hardly expect another 20-point deficit. And with the crowd extra-pumped for their 4-0 team on a Monday night, I have a hard time believing they'll walk away losers. This could get ugly for Chicago. Lions 34, Bears 17.
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CONCUR... Great prediction and write-up!
I expect, with the Lions back home, and the hoopla of MNF, that the Lions will show a a four quarter game similar to the game with the Chiefs. It isn’t going to be what Chicago can or can’t do, but what Detroit is capable of and does. CJ is just to torch the Bears secondary, and that will be the tone setter in this one.
I expect to see some rugged play from the Lion DL, with Cliff Avril intent on making a statement, with Willie Young chomping at the bit. I don’t believe that Forte is going to go off on Detroit, and when Cutler is forced into the passing game, the Lions are going to lower the boom. Chicago will be pressed to score a TD, should Detroit score twice quick, as the adrenaline transforms into slapdown mode.
The Lions haven’t spanked the Bears since 1983. While there isn’t any reason for boasting over the vision of a blow-out, there are too many reasons to list why this could be the case this coming Monday. It doesn’t matter that Cutler is 4-0 vs. the Lions, and that Stafford has never beat the Bears; we haven’t seen an overall Lions team that can dominate until this year, so throw the past records out the window. Detroit still isn’t getting much respect, but as The Schwartz says, “We still have a lot of work to do.” All that matters at this point is this game, and the Lions will find themselves still at the top of the North at 5-0.
The icing on the cake would be some signage in support for Hank Williams Jr., but that’s another story.
DETROIT 38 – CHICAGO 10
The coolest Lion nickname ever belongs to Dick "NIGHT TRAIN" Lane.
by Gee Garold Lembach on Oct 7, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's what I'm hoping for in our first offensive/defensive series
Offense
1st and 10: Jahvid Best delayed hand-off, off tackle for 5-7 yards
2nd and 5: Same play, but play-action, deep route to CJ for TD
Defense
1st and 10: Suh breaks free, crushes Forte for loss of 3
2nd and 13: Avril breaks free off the edge, sacks Cutler for loss of 7
3rd and 20: Fake blitz, dropped back into coverage, Levy undercuts the route as Cutler gets hurried and picks it…take it to the house.
Jonas Jerebko once killed a charging female rhinoceros in heat protecting its young with nothing more than a hook shot.
Love Beer? Me too! http://jimbobsbeerblog.wordpress.com/
Follow me on twitter: #JimBobsBeerBlog
Logan runs back a kick/punt should be in there somewhere
Matthew Stafford, Quarterback: a man barely alive, Gentlemen we can rebuild him, We have the technology, We have the capability to make the worlds first bionic QB, Matthew Stafford will be that man, Better than he was before
Better, Stronger, Faster
They said we were a one trick pony, talkin bout CALVIN. Well thats one hell of a TRICK!!!! - Nate B.
great write up
as always, you were right as the season progresses to look for more “green” in the columns, and that’s what is there. All this hype though is driving me nuts, I am so stoked we are 4-0 and I am so pumped to play on Monday night and crush the bears for snatching two w’s from us last year, but I just have this weird feeling of anxiousness and fear that I may jinx something if I say or do something.
I am hoping that we win, by a large margin, I hope we crush, at the same time I am nervous at how our team is dealing with the hype. I know Schwartz is probably keeping their head clear of it, and I am not a very superstitious kind of guy, but as of late it’s been mixed.
by Usman 'Uzi' Altafullah on Oct 7, 2011 10:07 AM EDT reply actions
Hey Sim
Do you have any stats on draw plays for the Lions. I feel like with our run game not being a threat that defenses are basically coming after Matthew.
Seems like we could get some good production with draws but I feel like they don’t really run any.
"My Mama once told me don't argue with fools, cause people from a distance can't tell who is who" - Jay Z
that would definitely be interesting
but I don’t have any info on that. I’ll see what I can find this weekend.
Be my friend on twitter @DetroitOnLion, but please don't be my friend in real-life. You all scare me.
Thanks again SimsCity
Your analysis always seems to be dead on. Thank you for your predictions – though the means to get there have been haphazard for the lions, you always seem to be dead on with the final result. Let’s keep it going!
Thread Hijack!
Who knows of a tailgait lot that would be able to fit a ford focus around 5pm on monday night?
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
Something I just noticed
Through 3 home games this year, the Lions are 116-16 (avg margin of victory 33.3 pts). Combining that with this being the first MNF game in a long time here in Detroit and the Bears being maybe our biggest rival, how do you NOT pick the Lions to win big here?
Interesting point, considering the Lions have played only one game at home so far....
No slogans. Just win!!!
This guys post almost made my brain melt when I read it the first time
I thought I had been hallucinating or something
Im sure he's including preseason
Which is a little silly, but hopefully we protect home field, because we get 10 wins by going 6-1 at home the rest of the way.
Be my friend on twitter @DetroitOnLion, but please don't be my friend in real-life. You all scare me.
By the way...
Any LA-based Lions fans, doing it big at BWW in Burbank. Stop by.
Be my friend on twitter @DetroitOnLion, but please don't be my friend in real-life. You all scare me.
by simscity on Oct 7, 2011 11:44 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
I was pretty shocked by how the Girls moved the ball on the ground
I know the big chunks of years all came by catching the D off-guard (draws and reverses), but even there more straightforward runs to the B gaps were netting 3-5 yards for the most part. We need more tackles for loss and limit those 5 yard runs to 2 or 3 at max. We’ve shown the potential to really limit the yardage between the tackles (ala Peterson), but need to be more consistent. The Bears line sucked last year at run blocking, I’m not sure what’s happened since (I know there’s been a lot of shuffle) but I’m not sure they’re going to out-power us. I think they’ll get us by putting Forte in good situations (draws, counters, screens…). We better be smarter this week about getting sucked up in play action as well as playing the draw & screen. If we improve in those areas, this should be a handy win.
Either way, I really like the chances of our offense putting up points in this one!
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
chunks of *yards
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
oh yeah
27-20 W
The Dis-Assembly Line - The unofficial, official name for the next best D-line in football.
A couple statistical notes
Average time of possession:
Lions: 31:35 #10 in NFL
Bears: 26:32 #29 in NFL
Turnovers
Lions: +8 Tied for #1
Bears: +2 Tied for #9
3rd Down conversions:
Lions: 32% Tied for #24
Bears: 28% Tied for #29
That third down conversion stat should be better
I think it’s indicative of Linehan’s play call ability. At times the guy seems like a mastermind, but then there are days where you just have to sit there and shake your head. As far as coaches go, Linny is the weakest one, he’s not garbage, but your OC should be able to convert more 3rd downs considering the weapons at his disposal
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
Great write-up.
I had my doubts about how these would work, but as the sample sizes get larger and larger, these articles impress me more and more. Hopefully Durant will be fully back this week to help slow Matt Forte.
Great photo.
Bears have had this coming to them for awhile.
That goddamn Okra and beans got you Oprah in jeans. Seems to me a little lean cuisine, wouldn't hurt much- Agh don't touch! -Obie Trice
I still think we havent seen our best running yet
We have been playing from behind last two weeks, and running the ball isn’t the best solution for trying to win the game from behind.
I think attempting to run the ball in first half is whats leading us to fall behind, they should analyze what they did the last two weeks and reverse what they been doing. Spread the field early passing to pettigrew and young on crossing routes, calvin on sidelines and endzone and set up the run.
this week will be big week for titus, pettigrew and best. with cover two scheme there are open spots in middle of field where stafford can fit the ball to our inside receivers.
Good job Sims
I anticipate a close game, but only in the first half…again. I know what you’re thinking, another slow start?!? Not exactly.
I am predicting a 27-17 Lions victory with the Bears getting shut out in the second half 10-0. Its an even 17’s going into halftime, but the d-line starts to come on, shuts Forte down, and the famous Stafford to Johnson connection seals the deal late in the fourth quarter after a 3rd quarter Jason Hanson field goal takes the lead.
I see the Bears actually playing decent in this game, just come up short at the end. Chicago is a 3rd place team this year, and shouldnt’ve even been in the NFCCG last year. Not that the Bears don’t have talent, they just have too many voids to hang all season with powerhouses Green Bay and Detroit.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Oct 7, 2011 2:36 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
its not offense or defense that im worried about...
Special teams coverage could be a problem. Lets hope Hanson and Donahue just kick it out of the endzone/out of bounds to rob Hester of any chances to return big ones
I watch the Detroit Lions and I....
by Lions & Panthers Fan on Oct 7, 2011 3:33 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Week 1, last year
Is the only game I ever think about whenever we play the Bears. Honestly, I can’t remember the second matchup that happened in the latter part of last season, but to be honest, I really don’t give a damn. We didn’t have a lot of our guys healthy, and I know it’s part of the game, but I refuse to believe that this Bears team was actually great last year. I’m sure it’s just the die hard fan in me, but fuck it…
But again, that first game really pissed me off because those fans thought they really were the better team, that we suck, and that they’re gunna just waltz into Ford Field Monday night and take us down. As far as I’m concerned, WE are the team to beat. WE are the ones with the ridiculously talented weapons on offense. WE are the ones that have one of the premier defensive lines in the NFL. WE are the ones that have come from behind 20+ deficits to finish the game victorious. Those crazy droughts won’t happen all season, so expect for us to put the hurting on folks early and often. As great as this team is, we’re STILL going to get better the more we play this year.
I don’t care what the Hell the score is. We’re not going to lose at Ford Field to the Bears. No question.
interesting
those fans thought they really were the better team
i spend alot of time in WGC and we all thought, it was a TD… interesting… and when your team ends up Winning the division as opposed to being 3rd or 4th normally they were the BETTER team.
This years Lions look good, 4-0 start, high confidence, but you only beat one team who went to the playoffs last year:
Minnesota 6- 10
Dallas 6- 10
Tampa Bay 10- 6
Kansas City 10- 6
32- 32 .500
This year:
Minnesota: 0-4
Dallas: 2-2
Tampa Bay 3- 1
Kansas City 1-3
6- 10 37.5%
Chicago Bears played these guys Last Year:
Atlanta 13- 3
Green Bay 10- 6
New Orleans 11- 5
Carolina 2- 14
36- 28 56.2% wins
This year:
Atlanta 2- 2
Green Bay 4-0 Ranked 2 Offense
New Orleans 3- 1 Ranked 6th Offense
Carolina 1- 3 Ranked 4 Offense
10- 6 62.5%
People wonder why our defense is struggling we faced two of the top 3 qb’s a rookie who is dominating the NFL, and the Espn appointed king of the Nfc South Falcons “the best division” in football let them tell it.
All im saying the teams is doing well but holla at me after:
7 Oct 23 ATL @ DET
11 Nov 20 CAR @ DET
12 Nov 24 GB @ DET
13 Dec 04 DET @ NO
Look familiar?
I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Oct 8, 2011 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
How about we just holla at you after Monday. :)
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
yeah i can dig that too
im a realist and a fan of the Bears. Trust me i picked us to go 10-6 for the season early and i stand behind it, question is will 10-6 be enough to keep pace with the Packers, Falcons, Saints, Eagles, Giants, Lions, etc.? Somebody has to go from the west and so far it looks like San Fran, hate to say it but the fudgies probably win the division, Saints south, Giants East… those two wild card spots are going to be hard fought.
I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Oct 8, 2011 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Well,
I feel like you posted all of that stuff for nothing. Big whoop, you played four tough games against the same teams we’ll end up playing later this year. Would you like a cookie for your efforts? Better yet, an offensive line that can protect Cutler? Unlike your Chicago Bears, which you still believe will be 10-6 this year, we’ve won all four of our games (3 on the road). Let’s not even mention degree of difficulty because the Lions almost ALWAYS get a top five tough schedule every year. Claiming your defense is struggling because the opposing teams are good sounds too much of a cop out. If anything, I would’ve said they played bad games, but you took it a step further back by suggesting that they can’t hang with them. If you want to post stats, I suggest you take your notes with simcity and let him “spell check” them for you.
Second, the team you beat twice last year is NOT the same one you’ll play come Monday. If our record wasn’t indicative enough, let’s add the fact that Stafford is 100%, and improvements have been made on both sides of the ball. Megatron being the best WR in the league right now (Shut up, Welker, you’ve only got more yards) Plus, you’re coming into a Ford Field that will have a larger crowd than the Super Bowl they hosted. 50,000 pink towels being waved around? That fact alone should scare you. (Shout out to Breast Cancer Awareness) As good as you may think your team is (I really don’t blame you because you’re a fan and that’s what they do), I really don’t see them doing anything so significant that you end up walking out of that game with a “W”. Both the Cowboys and Vikings of the North thought they were gunna win, but asked them how that worked out. We, the Lions, play four quarters of football, not two. You guys had a better shot in ’08.
lol ha Its easier to fall when your heads in the clouds...
than it is when your feet are stuck on the ground….
Im not one of those fans who only loves his team when they are doing well, turns his back when they are doing bad. Im also not the fan who thinks my team will win every game, or that a 4-0 start for the first time in over a decade means we are a juggernaut, or a fan who believes that a 2-2 start means your an average team. Its all about streaks my friend and any true fan of sports would know that, ask the chargers fans. Matt Stafford is 100% and trust me im actually EXCITED to see that, not for fantasy football or none of that nonsense but because i am a fan of the sport. i was waiting for the Lions to be a force again being that when my FAVORITE player of all time was playing for you guys i actually liked watching lions games.
Lol the reason yall get a “top 5” every year is because… wait i dont know where you got your information from since 2005 the lions have only been in the top 5 strength of schedule ONCE… learn how to use google all you need to put in is "Nfl strength of Schedule 20__ and it will show you
I noticed you joined last year and didnt post until this year, i wonder why? Who cares, but i know it must be tough living your life. One kid is a bad apple, the other is a nerd, you have the only baby thats never grown up and your wifes hair can barely fit in the car you guys had the first reality show… IJS
oh and spell check this:
The Lions are one of four current NFL teams that have yet to qualify for the Super Bowl. The 2008 team became the only team in NFL history to lose all 16 regular season games.
I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Oct 9, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Seriously,
With the lack of talent, inconsistency with the coaching staff, and having Matt Millen run things from the FO, yeah, the strength of schedule would be top five every year. I admit, I didn’t have facts to prove it. I owe you now, since you encouraged me to look up my beforementioned claim.
First, don’t EVER question my loyalty to the Detroit Lions. I was always a fan of this organization. I was born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit, sucking down bags of Better Made Potato Chips and lemon lime Faygo pop (Yes, pop) for years. I was there when the REAL Tiger Stadium was took down for the “replacement” we have now. I’ve been to the old and new Palace of Auburn Hills plenty of times. I’ve been to Lions games in the old and new Ford Field. That falied casino project MJ and Jesse Jackson orchestrated? The rise and fall of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick? The death of Farmer Jack? Rich fucking Rodriguez running Big Blue into the ground? The economic disaster we live with today? I’ve been through it all and never left. I’m Imported from Detroit, through and through. Get it right. I joined this site because it’s the best Lions blog I’ve stumbled onto. Not that I needed to say all that to prove anything, I just like seeing myself type.
Second, what are you rambling about with this “It must be tough living your life.” nonsense? (I’d blue box it, but I don’t know how) I’m sure my life might be tough to someone looking from the outside. I’m an active duty US Army Soldier of 5 years, I’m deployed for the third time in four years, work 12 hours every day (not including waking up early just to go to the gym to work out), I have no wife or girlfriend or kids, so that means I’ve got money still, and worst of all, I’m lactose intolerant. Call my life what you will, but it’s mine and I’m thankful for still having it for 24 years. Which brings me to my next point…
Third, what the Lions did does not concern me, just like all the other 31 teams in the NFL. Their past is just like an ex-girlfriend, we’ve had some good times, we’ve definitely had some bad times…but it’s over. The past is the past. As far as I’m concerned, Tommy, the Bears fan, you’ve got a nice, impressive, storied resume, but guess what? You can do one of two things with that same resume: brag about what you acoomplished however long ago, or keep adding to it. Oh please! Do ride the coattails of your glory days! That great Super Bowl win of 2007 when you defeated the mighty Colts! Relive winning the division last year (with the help of the Lions beating GB near the end of the season, mind you). Relish the great days of Walter Payton, the man a lot of people (mostly Bear fans) consider the greatest running back of all time! Tommy, past experiences can never predict the future. When you’re good for so long, eventually you’ll concede to someone coming from the bottom. There’s no more “bottom” after an 0-16 season. We’ve been fired up since coming from the depths of Hades to beat up on teams for once and we’re doing it. Detroit is for real this year, regardless of what’s happened in the past. It’s a new team, new culture, new belief…I’d be afraid to paly them if I weren’t a fan.
But “I’m just saying”. I don’t wish you luck, come Monday. I wish you mercy.
I like that response... lol
the " button in between the chain symbol and the strike through S.
click that button and it will display < blockquote></ blockquote> this will be without spaces
in the space between >< paste what you want blue
so < blockquote>I don’t wish you luck, come Monday. I wish you mercy. </ blockquote>
will be
I don’t wish you luck, come Monday. I wish you mercy.
I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Oct 9, 2011 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd like to think the enormity of the occasion for us will really help
I think that for the most part we are the stronger team. I definitely think that if we actually get off to a strong start that we should possibly win by a decently large margin. If we are slow again, then I’d be concerned. I doubt we’d be flat though.
I’m thinking Lions 37 – Bears 14
not to be a little pessimistic but...
This is one defense that I don’t underestimate – they are very opportunistic and when they are hot they are hot. This is one defense we cannot fall behind to early. A) because we can’t keep winning games being down by 20pts at the half and B) this defense attacks and plays its best with a lead.
Staffords early game jitters have to get under control and needs to be coached up – this is the lack of game experience despite his tenure in the league. His confidence is in line with his abilities, we just gotta get the kid to calm down – I don’t think he has had a solid first quarter yet this season. With this being a yard stick, measurement type game, potential to get to 5-0, nationally televised, packed home crowd, bandwagon overflowing game I am really concerned about how he starts. He’s gotta hit the field thinking its already the third quarter and they are down by 7. He does phenomenally well under pressure and once his head is in the flow of the game – but seems to be a little cocky with his head in the clouds in those first few series.
I can’t believe I am saying that with the performance of this team, but its the one spot that worries me against this defense.
The other thing on defense, our de’s gotta do a better job containing the misdirection flow. The de’s have stuffed the middle well but the de’s aren’t containing to allow the lbs to flow to the ball. We are tackling much better but forte is possibly the second best screen/dump back next to sproles right now and our aggressive front will get exposed by this with no containment/recognition by the de’s
Perhaps I’m just being guarded about the level of play we’ve seen and am still expecting the other shoe to drop – as from past years – yes I am jaded yet can’t contain my excitement. I also don’t want to see things go unmentioned as to invite the laws of murphy to present themselves.
Great job as always sims I’m calling a 38-34 Lions win! So amped!!
by londonlion on Oct 8, 2011 9:33 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
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