Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints: A Beer Thinker's Week One Preview

Well, here we are Lions fans...opening game of the Detroit Lions 2009 NFL season.

Coming off the worst seasons ever to be played, the Lions have improved in many areas, most notably on defense in the linebacking and secondary areas.  The defensive line is still suspect.  Still, they finished ninth in the preseason overall. 

But with only six sacks, they are still having problems getting to the quarterback.  On a high note, they did have four interceptions in the preseason, matching their total for all of the 2008 season.

Matthew Stafford has been named the starter against the Saints.  With the new offensive blocking scheme in place, the Lions are going to rely heavily on running backs Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris to move the chains and control the clock.  Calvin Johnson will be a target when the Lions elect to take their shots downfield but tight ends Will Heller and rookie Brandon Pettigrew will have to step up in critical third down situations.

New Orleans on offense:  Unless you have been on the planet Mars for the past few years, the Saints are going to pass the ball.  Drew Brees had a fantastic year in 2008, throwing for 5,069 yards, 34 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for a passer rating of 96.2. 

The running game will be shouldered by Reggie Bush now that Deuce McAllister is no longer with the team. 

However, Bush has been bothered by knee injuries and has never really established himself as an every down back.  No question he is the most dangerous on screen and swing passes which plays into the Saints passing game. 

Marques Colston is looking to rebound from last year and Devery Henderson will look to maintain his consistently solid seasons.

New Orleans on defense:  For the moment, the Saints defense is licking their chops looking forward to lining up against a rookie quarterback.  Defensive end Bobby McCray wants to "break his spirit" and force Stafford into 3rd-and-long situations and hopefully force turnovers. 

While the offense lit it up last year, the defense was spotty at best.  Head coach Sean Payton brought in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams from the Washington Redskins to re-vamp it.  Expect more blitz packages in order to confuse Stafford.

Detroit Lions on offense:  The Matthew Stafford era will begin in New Orleans.  However, don't expect too much from Stafford in his first game.  The Lions will be looking to control the clock to keep the explosive Saints offense off the field and that means a healthy dose of Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris. 

Stafford has the big arm and Schwartz will take his shots downfield to Calvin Johnson but for the most part, expect crossing patterns by the wide-receivers in the 15-20 yard range and for the tight ends to play a huge part on 3rd-down situations.

Detroit Lions on defense:  Perhaps the most suspect unit from 2008 and rightfully so. Ranked 27th against the pass and dead last against the run, most teams, including these New Orleans Saints, scored at will against the Lions.

However, gone is the ineffective Tampa-Two defense and most of the players that ex-coach Rod Marinelli wanted.  In comes new defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham with more focus on attacking the quarterback and an increase in blitz packages. 

The Lions improved the secondary by drafting hard-hitting Louis Delmas and getting Phillip Buchanon from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Lions will need to get Drew Brees on his back and hold the Saints to as many three and outs as they can.  It was hard to get to Brees last year as he was sacked only 13 times.

Prediction:  If the Lions can control the clock and keep the Saints offense on the sidelines, they win 21-17.  If not, Saints could blow it out and win by as many as three to four touchdowns.

Ah football...LET THE SEASON BEGIN!