The Detroit Lions return home to the friendly confines of Ford Field following their first victory of the 2020 season last weekend over the Arizona Cardinals, improving their record to 1-2.
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They’re preparing to face the New Orleans Saints, who are also off to a 1-2 start after having allowed allowed 71 points in the past two weeks, which is the second-highest total in the NFL.
And they’re preparing to face the offensive prowess of the Lions. According to head coach Sean Payton, they’re “dangerous”.
You guys haven’t played Detroit in a couple of seasons now. Matt Stafford, how does he look now compared to then?
“I think, they’re a dangerous team, especially when they’re healthy at receiver and having (Kenny) Golladay back in the lineup, I think is significant for them,” Payton explained earlier this week. “He (Matthew Stafford) has all the arm talent that you want at that position. He can fit it in the tight windows. I think he’s played well.”
Payton was then asked if the Lions 1-2 record is indicative of their play on the season:
“Yeah, I think to some degree. I mean, look, they were ahead in the Green Bay game. And then Green Bay, obviously is a good team, they come back and get the win. They’re ahead, way ahead in the Chicago game, and gave up some big plays. And then they win a big game on the road. So you know, look, we’re focused entirely on their defense, offense and the kicking game. But we’re just as importantly focused on ourselves and correcting the stuff that we need cleaned up.”
Of course, the Lions were boosted by the return of Golladay, who has emerged as one of the top offensive threats in football.
“The first thing that comes to mind is his downfield, scoring threat,” Payton said. “He is a big play target. He had great production a year ago. Matt (Patricia) has a ton of confidence in him and if you just look at his numbers from a year ago, I think it’s pretty evident.”
The Lions and Saints get underway from Ford Field Sunday at 1:00 PM EST.
– – Quotes via New Orleans Saints Link‘ – –
