1. They’re building a talented base offensively » Or so it seems. But it’ll take a couple years for it to be realized. Quarterback Matt Stafford, receiver Calvin Johnson, rookie tight end Brandon Pettigrew and running back Kevin Smith form a good nucleus. Stafford can make every throw and Johnson is one of the best young wideouts in the game. Stafford will take a year or two to become good; he’s still learning what throws he can get away with. That’s why he’s been intercepted five times already.
2. The defense is devoid of talent » The Lions messed up the draft for several years under former general manager Matt Millen. Though most of those players were receivers, the talent drain has been felt on defense as the offense is starting to recover. But there’s nobody on the line who threatens an offense. Maybe left end Cliff Avril becomes that guy, but he’s a rookie. Linebacker Julian Peterson is no longer a playmaker. They have some decent veterans such as middle linebacker Larry Foote and corner Anthony Henry. And linebacker Ernie Sims is solid, but he’ll likely miss Sunday with an injury. Overall they’re bad.
3. Johnson is a stud » In two games he’s caught eight passes for 141 yards and one touchdown. He’s big (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) and a playmaker (already has a long catch of 64 yards). But the Redskins held him to 57 yards on four catches last season, thanks to corner Carlos Rogers. Also, the Lions are trying to establish the run more with Smith. But he’s only averaging 2.9 yards per carry on 39 runs. But this emphasis on the run is why Stafford has only been sacked three times. This is not a good pass-blocking line.
4. Third down is a problem » OK, when you’ve lost 19 straight most downs are an issue. But the Lions have converted just eight of 27 third downs compared to 12 of 24 by the opposition. Any team will struggle with those numbers. And they’ve allowed 29 first downs through the air.
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