By Roy J. Akers-www.skyviewsports.net
Who needs a big game for Detroit?
Detroit’s Defensive Front
The Detroit defensive line. While it is true that CJ Stroud is not having the big season in his sophmore NFL season that he enjoyed as a rookie, he is very mobile and dangerous. Mike Tirico said on 97.1FM this week The Ticket that Stroud is looking more like a rookie than he was as a rookie in 2023. Stroud has an 11-4 TD/Interception ratio and has passed for 2139 yards at the halfway point in 2024. He has also gained on the ground 143 yards in 31 rushes. Detroit has had trouble getting to the passer since Aiden Hutchinson went down nearly a month ago. They had four sacks in the first four games after he was lost for the regular season, but since then, the pass rush has dropped off. Josh Paschal is back this week and it is an outside possibility that Za’Darius Smith will be available after his trade acquisition from Cleveland . The NY Jets had eight sacks on Stroud in a win last week. For the season, Stroud has been sacked 31 times. This is the second most in the NFL. Watch this matchup.
Jameson Williams
Jameson Williams- He is watching many of his teammates get big extensions after their third years of their rookie contracts but he will most likely get peanuts or a prove it deal with Detroit. We all know the talent is there but Detroit will have a tough matchup against the Texans 4th ranked NFL secondary. Dan Campbell may elect to spread the ball around (the usual) meaning Williams may see limited targets and a running play or two out of the jet sweep. We are hoping for Williams. Production will heal some attitudes in the locker room that are currently biting their lip.
Detroit’s Secondary
Some of this was discussed already when talking about the Lions front four. Detroit was committing major fouls (those that give up yardage and or a first down) Both Carlton Davis and Terrion Arnold were among league leaders in major fouls. The Lions have toned that down in recent weeks and Brian Branch has been called for his second targeting foul of the season in the game against the Packers. The Lions ability to create turnovers, they are tied for second in the NFL behind only Minnesota. Detroit gives up yardage, but a heavy amount comes when games get out of hand and Detroit trades yards for milking the clock. The key for the Lions is to earn at least one interception and keep away from major penalty calls by the secondary to kill drives before CJ Stroud finds his rookie form.
Roy J. Akers is a multi-media reporter and covers several sports for www.skyviewsports.net
