[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n their third preseason match up, the Detroit Lions will face-off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in what usually is considered a “Barometer” game for many teams.
With a much of the roster set heading into the season, the Lions still head into this match up and towards the end of the exhibition period of the NFL with just as many questions as certainty within their roster.
Let’s take four steps into “The Lions Den,” previewing the Jaguars match up based on what the team has shown thus far.
All Systems A Go For Megatron
Calvin Johnson will appear in his first preseason game of the year against Jacksonville. Photo/Wikimedia Commons
Calvin Johnson is set to return and see his first preseason action of the year against the Jaguars on Friday night, after having offseason finger and knee surgery.
New offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s offense is based on lots of movement, a variety of formations and different receiver groupings. So this will be a good test on Matthew Stafford to see how he looks with all of his toys on offense at his disposal.
Stafford went completed all but one pass against the Raiders last week, leading the offense down the field for two touchdowns to Golden Tate and Kris Durham with no problem. During both drives, Lombardi gave a sneak preview into those random formations and groupings.
This will be the first time we see how fellow weapons Tate, Eric Ebron and company react lining up alongside Megatron.
Although he will see limited playing time for cautionary reasons, look for Johnson to line up in a variety of spots and the be put in motion to create favorable match ups.
What impact will the presence of Johnson have on this offense?
Getting Jiggy With Ziggy
Defensive Lineman and 2013 first round pick Ziggy Ansah also was activated off the PUP list this week and is set to see his first preseason action Friday against the Jags.
The Lions ranked 28th out of 32 teams last year in sacks and the team has mustered up just one sack, slotting them dead last in the league in the preseason.
After racking up eight sacks in his rookie year, look for Ansah to provide some much needed punch to a unit that is considered to be one of the strengths of the team.
With Nick Fairley unable to make up his mind if he wants to take football serious or not and after drafting Kyle Van Noy to provide a much needed pass rushing threat out of the linebacking position, there may be pressure on Ansah if healthy to register double digit sacks in 2014.
No Run, No Problem
Similar to the defensive line, at the midpoint of the preseason, the Lions running game has been underwhelming to this point.
Ranking 30th in the league and averaging just 64.5 yards a game. Lombardi hasn’t been quick to show his hand at what this offense will feature in the run game in the same fashion he has with the pass game.
Joique Bell has four carries this preseason, Reggie Bush has played a total of 14 snaps and both have a combined 28 yards thus far.
Theo Riddick and George Winn have been the highlight of the running game, giving a glimpse into what could be a surprisingly deep unit for the team with coach Jim Caldwell looking to put more emphasis on the run game this year.
Let’s Kick It
Who knew the loss of Jason Hanson would prove to be so detrimental for this team? David Akers gave it his best shot last year to replace the Lions all-time leading scorer and a 87% conversion rate got him kicked out of town.
Insert seventh-round pick Nate Freese and Giorgio Tavecchio. As much as the Lions would love to be closer to making a choice, them seem no more certain than they did two weeks ago.
Caldwell’s plan heading into the game against the Jags will be to rotate kickers during each kicking attempt and according to Caldwell makes it “fair opportunity” for each player.
Freese perhaps might have the upper hand to this point though, going 3-for-3 on kicking field goals this preseason, even after missing a 33-yard extra point last week in Oakland. Tavecchio is 1-for-1 so far.
The X-factor in all of this though would be the extra points, which have been moved back to the 2-yard line to finish the preseason and for the regular season. Bet the house on Freese.
