By Roy J. Akers- www.skyviewsports.net
The Detroit Lions started off the 2024 NFL season the way they finished off the 2023 campaign. They opened against the Rams with a close win but lost their next game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions are determined to run the ball in 2024, even more than they did in 2023 and this time, with Jahmyr Gibbs running the ball more in crunch time and tackle to tackle situations. The defense is improved with Aiden Hutchinson working as a buzzsaw breaking up plays and getting to the quarterback. There are plenty of rookies and new players on the defense and we will break down the highlights.
Three Up- Two Down
One Up
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after his perfect performance in Monday night’s 42-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field.
Goff made history while going 18-for-18 for 292 yards and two passing touchdowns with one receiving.
Goff’s stats are middling outside of that game and the Lions 3-1 record is covering some of that up. Goff on the season has five TD’s and four interceptions and has yet to get tight end Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams or Jahmyr Gibbs fully into the offense. Not that it is totally his fault. The coaching staff has been heavily committed to the run.
Two Up
Lions third year pro Aiden Hutchinson has been a holy terror against NFL offenses trying to stop him. His 6.5 sacks through three games stayed that way as he was blanked by the Seahawks who double and triple teamed him. Hutchinson is also among leaders among defensive lineman in hurries, QB hits and tackles for loss. Hutchinson recently told the coaching staff his dream is to catch a TD pass. Whether he reports as eligible, he is sure to draw coverage. Hutchinson tends to have either huge games or disappears due to offenses rolling their blockers on him which allows other defensive players to make plays.
Three Up
The Lions running game of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery is a two-headed monster that other teams must defend on top of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and the rest. Add that Gibbs and Montgomery are dangerous out of the backfield and you see the problem. On the season, Montgomery still rushes the ball more than Gibbs, but he has earned a larger workload. Gibbs also has three rushing TD’s to Montgomery’s four. They key for the Lions is neither running back has fumbled. Look for these two players to continue to see the football using a heavy workload mixed in with the pass.
One Down… Make it Two
The Lions spent draft capital by trading for Carlton Davis, signing Amik Robertson and drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.. Great move. The two down is for all of the penalties in the secondary that have given new life to stalled drives. Lions 2024 first round pick Terrion Arnold has the skills to be a superb NFL cornerback. Right now, he is second in the NFL in penalty statistics with two official holding calls and five more infractions of pass interference. Troy Aikman suggested the Lions use oven mitts in practice to help him break the habit.
Carlton Davis III
Broadcasters and NFL people said Davis had as many infractions as Arnold but he has one official holding call and three more pass interference calls according to NFL.com. Davis III is the Lions team leader in tackles with 28 combined plus a fumble return. Because NFL teams like to throw his way, he is usually in the play a lot. Davis needs to clean up the coverage penalty wise but he is a player that will be around the ball a lot. Hopefully, his leadership will help Arnold grow into a NFL Pro Bowl type of player for Detroit.
Next Four Games
Detroit’s next four games on the schedule finds them playing three games on the road after playing three at home in the teams first four games. The Lions play back to back road games in Dallas and Minnesota. They host the Tennessee Titans before going on the road against Green Bay. A split of 2-2 might be a good record against two division foes with winning records. The Tennessee game might be the only breather. Of course, in the NFL, there rarely is one of those types of games.
Roy J. Akers is a multi-media reporter and covers several sports for www.skyviewsports.net