Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2012 21:05:15 GMT -5
[glow=blue,2,300]RAMS @ LIONS[/glow]
Key Factors
Detroit:
For Detroit to win this game, they must abuse the Rams with what they are good at; passing the ball. Calvin Johnson should be able to rip Janoris Jenkins on the outside, so you bet Stafford will be looking at Johnson early and often. I expect the Rams to double team Johnson with Jenkins and possibly Bradley Fletcher or Trumaine Johnson. Titus Young (or whoever) is going to get dominated this game in the slot against Cortland Finnegan. Stafford's main targets in this game will be Brandon Pettigrew and Calvin Johnson.
The second key element to the Lions' scheme is to make sure their offensive line holds up against a brutal Rams' pass rush. LT Jeff Backus and RT Gosder Cherilus are going to have their hands full the WHOLE game against the Rams' Chris Long and Robert Quinn. If they can hold their own, Stafford will have a better shot at not getting sacked and getting injured. Stafford has not been proven to be the most durable quarterback, so the Lions should be heavily relying on both tackles to do their job.
And lastly, linebackers Tulloch, Levy, and Durant are going to have to be good Sunday night. Lance Kendricks is a threat and will rip them apart if they are not careful. Same thing with Danny Amendola, who tends to go to the middle of the field. But the main reason they need to step up is to stop Steven Jackson, who has been averaging near 6 yards per carry through the preseason and looks fresh as hell. They better stop Jackson early and quick if they want to win this game.
Rams
For the Rams, to win, it's pretty simple: Sack Matthew Stafford multiple times, block well for Steven Jackson, and slow down Calvin Johnson. Although none of these tasks are easy, all three are manageable.
Most important is pressure on Matthew Stafford. Stafford HAS to have hands in his face at all times. With a better pass rush the highly inexperienced secondary has a better shot at slowing down Calvin Johnson. Without Brockers, the Rams will likely have Jermelle Cudjo or Matt Conrath in. Conrath is a 6"7 DT who will probably be used a lot in this game to get in the way of Stafford. If the Rams can sack Stafford more than three times and hopefully force fumbles like they have in the preseason, the Rams will have a much better shot at winning this game.
The offensive line is the next most important thing. Bradford has to have time to throw the football; Jackson is better with holes. Scott Wells will be taking on Suh. Big matchup right there.
And lastly, the Rams cover-2 defense better be aware of Calvin Johnson. Zones won't work against him. You have to double team him. I believe the Rams will do this almost the entire game, so I'm not worried.
Verdict
This IS going to be a high-scoring game. Detroit's defense isn't that good; neither is the Rams. However, I believe with Fisher's superior coaching, the Rams will win this game.
Rams 36, Lions 31