Detroit Lions Week 1 Preview: The Defense

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Yesterday I gave you my preview analysis of Detroit’s offense vs. the Bucs defense. This matchup seems to be decidedly lopsided in favor of the Lions.

The betting line suggests that this game will be the closest Week 1 contest on the NFL schedule. The Lions have moved from an early underdog of three points to only one point this morning.

Clearly, the Lions are getting the majority of the betting action. With a line so close, we have to ask ourselves what it is that makes the Bucs so good? Yes, they have the home-field advantage, but like the Lions in years past, the Bucs game will be blacked out on local TV. Not much of an advantage, eh?

Let’s look at some key matchups when the Lions defense is on the field. Here’s what I’m looking for as I scream at the TV on Sunday, beginning with...

The Lions D-Line Must Dominate the Bucs O-Line, or Else

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On paper, the Lions D-line looks like a heavy favorite here. DT Ndamukong Suh will see a steady diet of double-team blocking from RG Davin Joseph or Ted Larson, along with OC Jeff Faine. The Bucs did a credible job in last year’s Lions win of limiting Suh to two tackles.

DTs Corey Williams and Sammie Lee Hill will get opportunities galore to get pressure on Bucs QB Josh Freeman and have to make the best of them.

The defensive ends (Cliff Avril, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Lawrence Jackson) will have to contain Freeman, who is Rothlessburger-esque in his size and mobility. For the DEs, playing smart trumps playing an all out pass rush.

The Lions defense is in for a long day if Freeman goes off, as he did last year to the tune of 21-of-32, 251 yards and a TD.

The Lions LBs Have to Keep Bucs RB LeGarrette Blount Under Control

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While the Lions front four is harassing Freeman, the LBs have to find a way to maintain contact with Blount on every snap. Blount gouged out 110 yards on 15 carries and scored a TD against the Leos last year.

Justin Durant, Stephen Tulloch, DeAndre Levy and Bobby Carpenter will have their work cut out in limiting Blount’s effectiveness. They will do some run blitzing, and will also have to sniff out those screen passes, which will be used to counter the pass rush.

If the Lions have truly upgraded the linebacking this year, here’s the game where they have to prove it.

Lions LB Bobby Carpenter Should Replace Justin Durant on Obvious Passing Downs

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In addition to controlling Blount, the Lions have to cover TE Kellen Winslow. Winslow is a big, reliable target for Freeman who makes big plays to move the chains.

The Lions need an equally big deterrent, and Carpenter should get the call. Winslow vs. Carpenter might be one of the more entertaining matchups of the game.

The Lions Need to Double Cover Bucs WR Mike Williams

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The Lions secondary will be tested by the Freeman to Williams connection. CBs Chris Houston and Eric Wright will have to press cover Williams and get help from safeties Louis Delmas and Amari Spievey over the top.

Yes, folks, Williams is that good, and deserves the Calvin Johnson treatment. Last year, Williams had six catches for 96 yards against the Lions.

If the Lions secondary can give the defensive line that one extra second, Freeman will be forced into taking coverage sacks or throwing the ball away.

The Lions Will Take the Blitz out of the Closet

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If the Lions have the lead, watch for pressure off the edges from the CBs and safeties. Two of the Lions three sacks on Freeman in last year’s game came from early pressure from Louis Delmas and Chris Houston.

The Lions didn’t show much blitzing during the preseason. They will open up the playbook against the Bucs and the dangerous Josh Freeman.

Blitzing the LBs is risky business against Freeman, but has to be employed in order to keep Freeman on the move.

The Lions Need Two Big Plays from the Secondary

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It might not be enough to play solid coverage against Mike Williams and Co. The Lions need to turn the ball over to the offense.

If the secondary can cause two turnovers via forced fumbles or interceptions, the points off those turnovers could be the difference in the game.

Just two big plays. Is this too much to ask?

The Lions Defense Has to Limit Unforced Errors

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Don’t keep the Bucs alive by jumping into the neutral zone and watch those paws to the face.

Nobody expects to see perfection in Detroit’s defense, but poise will be a key factor in a game featuring two opponents who are so evenly matched.

Hey, Corey Williams! I'm talking about you!