Creature Vs. Creature: A Lion's Take on Detroit @ Carolina

Game Preview

The 0-9 Detroit Lions are coming off of another disappointing and embarrassing loss, dropping last weeks game to the Jaguars 38-14. The Carolina Panthers, on the other hand, are 7-2, and undefeated at home. They are coming off a surprisingly tough game with the Raiders, though, that saw Jake Delhomme throw four interceptions.

Despite the mistakes, they still won 17-6. That performance marked the second time since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 that a quarterback completed less than 30 percent of his passes and threw four interceptions in a win.

The Lions had been playing better leading up to last week’s game, but regressed against the Jags. The only bright spots for the Lions were Kevin Smith, who is quietly turning in a nice rookie season and Calvin Johnson, who caught two long passes. Still, the defense is horrendous and allows offenses to march up and down the field at will.

This could be a huge problem against the Panthers as their combination of Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, and Jonathan Stewart is quite formidable. Detroit will give Daunte Culpepper his second start. How quickly he digests the playbook and when he is able to make plays for the Lions remains to be seen.

Detroit has lost the past three games against the Panthers, most recently in 2007. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper has not fared much better, also losing the past three contests while totaling two TDs and seven INTs in those games.

Detroit will win if...

The defense shows up.

The Lions defense is giving up 30.8 points per game this season and is 31st in total yards per game at 406.1. More importantly, they are allowing over 161 yards rushing per game. Carolina has the 10th ranked rushing offense in the NFL.

Detroit will need to play great defense to shut down the Panthers running game and limit the opportunities for Steve Smith in the passing game. If they can get off the field and give the Lions offense a chance to get going, they could help their cause.

The Lions were able to force Jacksonville into some precarious situations with some third and longs and a key fourth down play. The problem was that they then allowed Jacksonville to convert those situations into first downs.

The defensive gameplan against the Jaguars also did not include many blitzes, which the Lions had some success with in previous games, look for them to try to get pressure on Delhomme.

Culpepper makes some plays.

Daunte Culpepper’s exploits with Minnesota are well documented, as is his injury and failed comebacks with the Raiders and Dolphins. Last week, it was evident that he did not have a good grasp on the playbook, which was expected due to his severely limited practice time.

He completed a few nice passes and displayed his ability to make plays with his legs on a nice scramble and completion to Kevin Smith. He also made some poor passes, one that was intercepted, and some that were not on time.

After a full week of practice and the blessing as the starter from Coach Marinelli, it will be important for Culpepper to manage the game, move the chains, and hit on the big play opportunities, particularly to Calvin Johnson.

The odds are not in the Lions favor, but solid QB play could go a long way towards keeping this game close into the fourth quarter.

Detroit will lose if...

The Panthers dominate TOP.

There is no mistaking the strengths of the Jaguars offense, which is the running game, but they couple that with a formidable passing game and one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. That makes for an effective ball-control attack.

If the Panthers are able to execute long drives, keeping Detroit’s beleaguered defense on the field for extended periods, they will likely win in blowout fashion.

They get to the quarterback.

It’s no secret that the Lions have a weakness in the trenches. It isn’t any one guy, but the entire group as a whole isn’t very good. The best one of the bunch is a rookie and the rest are above average at best, which leads to problems sustaining offensive drives as well as protecting the QB.

Julius Peppers had three sacks last week for the Panthers and is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. He’ll be lined up against Jeff Backus, who hasn’t been that effective against speed rushers. If the Lions aren’t able to give him some help on the edge, Peppers will be in the Lions backfield all day wreaking havoc.

The X Factor

Calvin Johnson. Not much needs to be said here, this guy is open like 7-Eleven, which is 24/7. It will be up to the Lions’ linemen to give the QB time and the QB to make the throws. Last week, they connected with him on two long throws, but not on any other plays. They need to get him the ball between eight and 10 times a game. If they get him the ball, he will make an impact.

Prediction

This will be tough sledding for the Lions in a hostile environment. The fact is though, that they are desperate and therefore, may bring it all together for one game and get a win. That isn’t likely though and apparently Vegas agrees. They have the Panthers as 12-point favorites.

I think the Lions will play hard but it might not be enough against a good Carolina team.

The Lions' offense can make some plays if they are on the field long enough, so if they limit mistakes and sustain some drives, they will put up a few touchdowns. The Panthers though, also can score some points when needed and I see a high scoring affair here.

Whether the points come from the offense or the defense on turnovers is anyone’s guess, but I see the Panthers taking this game by 14.

Panthers 35, Lions 21

For the Panthers perspective, check out Austin Penny's take