Following their [insert adjective of choice here] win over the New England Patriots last week, the Detroit Lions look to continue building momentum with a win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Here are the top three reasons Detroit will be more than Dallas can handle.
1. The Matt’s are in sync.
The lackluster, distracted Detroit Lions of weeks one and two disappeared on Sunday night. Was the spark provided by LeGarrette Blount’s shove in defense of Matt Stafford at the end of the San Francisco loss? Did it come just by facing Head Coach Patricia’s former team and perennial powerhouse New England Patriots? Or was it perhaps, a realization that things simply had to change? In the end, what truly spurred the Lions resurgence doesn’t matter.
The Lions showed up in a big way on Sunday, largely due to Matt Patricia and the coaching staff putting together a fantastic game plan in all three phases. Matt Stafford lead the offensive front imposing his will on the New England defense sans one mistake early in the second half. Expect this level of planning, preparation, and execution to become a mainstay in the Detroit Lions organization.
Dallas’ questionable LB corps and secondary are about to be picked apart by Stafford. He will be protected the entire game by a healthier offensive line, allowing him to sling the ball all over the field to a deep receiving unit.
2. Trench Warfare feat. Kerryon Johnson
Throughout last week’s game, the Detroit Lions handled business at the line of scrimmage. The defensive front mixed a myriad of blitz packages and different looks that kept Tom Brady and Co. on their heels all game. The football world watched the Lions defense show up in a big way. The Patriots went 2-for-9 on 3rd down, only gaining 209 total yards in part because of relentless pressure on Brady.
The offensive line, led by Frank Ragnow, pushed around New England’s front seven almost every down. Stafford had ample time to make throws to receivers all over the field. Kerryon Johnson took advantage by running for 101 yards on 16 carries breaking THAT streak. Expectations for Johnson are high coming into a matchup with a vulnerable Dallas defense. There is every reason to believe he can duplicate his performance from last week.
3. Detroit’s intangibles equate to on-field success
Detroit Lions players gifted Matt Patricia the game ball following Sunday night’s game. His first career win as a head coach came at home against his former team, head coach, and mentor, http://gty.im/1039548634. Local and national media had posed the question of whether or not he had lost the locker room. Unsightly losses to the Jets and 49ers left many people wondering what was going on between Patricia and his players. Those questions have been answered. Patricia has won the heart of his locker room and the respect of his entire roster.
The sideline energy carried over onto the field throughout the contest. Matt Patricia launched the challenge flag halfway across the field early in the game. When Kerryon Johnson eclipsed 100 yards, his fellow running backs came over to dance for him. The cohesive efforts displayed last weekend will carry over to the upcoming match against Dallas, a unit in utter turmoil.
Let us know what you think in the comment section. What do you think will contribute to Detroit’s immediate and long-term success?
