Bold prediction of the week: Lions backup offense hits its stride against Steelers

It took a few drives and several beatings by defensive linemen for the backup offense to find its stride against the Bills last week. Detroit Lions backup quarterback Tim Boyle took a beatdown, leaving his status uncertain throughout the week. The Lions signed Jordan Ta’amu Wednesday as insurance, as both Boyle (ankle) and David Blough (shoulder) are dealing with their own injuries.

However, Campbell indicated on Thursday that both primary backups should be good to go on Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I do see Blough playing and I think Boyle’s going to be able to go as well,” Campbell said.

Bold prediction of the week: backup offenses hit their stride against the Steelers

Last week it took several drives for the second-team offense to hit their stride, even then being handicapped by a seemingly invisible offensive line. The third-team struggled as well, although Blough was able to eventually lead the offense into field goal range as time wound down in the fourth quarter.

Hitting their stride this week would be a challenge. While an added week always helps, the quarterbacks will be entering Saturday fresh off injuries. Likewise, the Steelers are no joke, as they’re one of the deepest defensive teams in the league.

There were things that greased the offensive wheels last week, in spite of the offensive line play. Getting the ball out quick is always a good antidote, and we saw lots of underneath routes thrown towards Darren Fells and Tom Kennedy, helping move the chains a few times. This week will be an even bigger challenge against a stout defense and a banged up quarterback room.