Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: How Will the Lions Look Week 1?

As the Detroit Lions prepare to take the field Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit fans have to wonder which version of the team will be present at Ford Field—the team that only a mother could love or the ferocious Lions from 2011.

This is most certainly not the team from last season.

Detroit has already shown that they are hungry for success in 2013.

Rookie defensive end Ziggy Ansah suffered a concussion on August 24th but is probable for Sunday. Ansah has fully participated in practice and appears to be in good shape just two weeks after his injury.  His return should motivate all of the players to elevate their respective games.

On top of that, mature actions and motivational words came from an unlikely source.

As reported by Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett, recently elected team captain Ndamukong Suh made it clear that the team could not prosper by committing mindless penalties this season—something he and his team have been known for in recent years.  If his words were sincere, the maturation of Suh would light the proverbial fire in the Lions defense.

Something they need for the following reason:

Stopping the run has not been Detroit’s strong point in recent years, and with reigning MVP Adrian Peterson coming to town, the effects of the players-only meeting will be tested. However, with that said, Suh and the rest of the Lions defense won’t allow Peterson to take his super-human form. Peterson will not break 100 yards in the opener. Expect to see tenacious defense on Sunday.  

As for the offense…

It’s already known that Matthew Stafford has plenty of pass-catchers such as tight end Brandon Pettigrew and wide receivers Nate Burleson and Calvin Johnson. Now that there’s a reliable back in Reggie Bush, Stafford won’t have to go so pass-happy to put points on the board.

Having balance will benefit the Lions offense because they can actually mix things up. This flexibility will allow Stafford to make wiser decisions and sometimes give his arm a break.  

The change of pace gives the Lions the extra boost needed to take down their divisional foes in Week 1.

Final score prediction: Detroit Lions 34, Minnesota Vikings 24