The Lions defense managed to contain and dominate the Giants offense. Photo/DetroitLions.com
[dropcap]H[/dropcap]eading into week 1 of the 2014 NFL season, the Detroit Lions were just about expected to dominate the New York Giants, and rightfully so did just that.
However, after suffering crucial losses with injuries to right tackle Corey Hilliard and cornerback Bill Bentley in the victory, they’ll need a similar effort against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.
How will the injuries to Bentley and Hilliard affect Detroit this week? Let’s go Four Downs In The Lions Den and take a look into this week’s match up.
Next In Line?
Last week the Lions entered the game against the Giants as one of the healthier teams in the league, including a fully staffed offensive line that did a good job of protecting Matthew Stafford against the Giants’ rush.
This week they are up against a far more superior defense in Carolina, who led the NFL in sacks last season with 60.
Detroit suffered injuries along the offensive line with LaAdrian Waddle going down early with a calf injury, followed by the loss of Hilliard for the year with torn ligaments in his foot.
The Lions will have to make adjustments along the O-line and are left with the choice to make a game-day decision between rookie Cornelius Lucas or veteran Garrett Reynolds, who played with Atlanta last season.
Coach Jim Caldwell expressed his confidence in the potential in starting the rookie Lucas against a fierce pass rush led by defensive end Greg Hardy, who recorded 15 sacks last season.
“I think he he’s a guy that’s certainly learning and we feel good about him,” Caldwell said. “I think if called upon he can get in there and he’ll play and he’ll play well. He’s been working at it, he has talent and ability, he’s long, and he’s got toughness.”
After displaying better decision making and techinique last week in his first game under new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, Stafford will need to have similar results against a top ten defense in the Panthers.
A Strong Front
As well as the Lions defense played against the Giants and adding to Eli Manning’s continued struggles, they will face a different dynamic in quarterback Cam Newton.
After sitting out week one to allow a rib injury to heal, Newton should be at full strength and ready to avenge a 2011 loss that saw the Panthers blow a 24-7 lead in a 49-35 loss where Newton threw four interceptions.
Detroit was able to apply pressure to Manning in the opener. Their defense recorded only two sacks, but were credited with nine hits.
The Lions also had two intereceptions against the Giants. However, with the loss of Bentley leaving Detroit with four cornerbacks, the front seven will need to add consistent pressure in a similar fashion to Newton.
With Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley garnering double teams in the middle of the line for much of the game, look to Ziggy Ansah, George Johnson, Devin Taylor and Jason Jones to pressure the quarterback early and often.
In the win against the Giants, defending NFC Player of the Week De’Andre Levy posted 10 tackles and a intereception.
Levy will looked upon to provide strong backside help to the depleted secondary against a rushing attack that is capable of breaking long gains, led by Newton.
From a Dime To A Nickle
With the loss of Bentley, the Lions will look to yet another rookie to step in and play a bigger role than expected.
Cornerback Nevin Lawson stepped in after Bentley went down and for the most part played well and will get the first crack at nickleback this Sunday against the Panthers.
The Giants tried the secondary early, going after Darius Slay and attacking the middle of the field and coverted big yardage gains on third down.
With a first-year player stepping in, look for Carolina when going down the field to attack Lawson when on the field.
Hard on Hardy
With the recent developments in the Ray Rice case, it has brought new light to the domestic violence situation amongst NFL players.
Carolina pass rushing specialist Greg Hardy was found guilty in July of assaulting and threatening ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder, and after appealing the conviction will go to trial on Nov. 17.
According to the Panthers organization, they have no plans to change their stance on allowing the 2013 Pro Bowl selection Hardy to play until the case plays out through the legal system.
But after recent evidence was presented and witnesses have come forth with testimony on events of the night in question, rumors have surfaced that Carolina might be in line to release Hardy due to these developments.
However, they have denied the rumors and have stated they will not cut Hardy as of Friday and he is expected to start Sunday against the Lions.
If Hardy were to be released and not take the field against Detroit, the Lions will catch a huge break towards their injuries along the offensive line and in the Panthers missing their defensive leader. Stay tuned.
Prediction: Lions 24, Carolina 17
