Pride of Detroit
The top priority for any game is to simply win. That remains true whether you’re a three-point underdog or two-touchdown favorite. This is the NFL, and you cannot let your guard down for a second, or the other team will pounce.
But for a moment, let’s look beyond the game outcome between the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals. Not because the outcome is certain—it’s not—but because this Lions season will not be defined by whether they win in Week 5. If they play the way they are currently playing and remain reasonably healthy, this team will make the playoffs. And if they make the postseason, everything about the success or failure of this season will be determined then.
In order to win a Super Bowl, the Lions will need to continue to grow and improve. So today’s Question of the Day is:
My answer: Good coverage.
Obviously, this is the most difficult matchup for the Lions. Not only will the Lions be shorthanded at cornerback with no D.J. Reed and reserve corner Khalil Dorsey, but facing off against Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is a tough matchup, no matter who is lined up opposite them.
If there’s been one fatal flaw of Detroit’s team right now, it’s their coverage on the perimeter. Detroit has given up too many big pass plays, and it shows in their overall stats: they rank 25th in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.6) and 19th in passer rating (95.1). Detroit has done a good job mitigating the damage with a strong run defense, good safety play, and an effective pass rush. However, I’d like to see more sticky coverage to make Bengals quarterback Jake Browning’s life a little harder on Sunday.
What are you hoping to see—aside from a win—from the Lions this Sunday? Scroll down to the comment section and offer your thoughts.
