Lions – Could This Be The Week?

As the season opener for the Detroit Lions approaches I can’t help but think this is the week they finally get a win. Yes, I know they’re playing the New Orleans Saints. And yes, I know they’re a team many think will be one of the better ones in the NFC. BUT, they are a team that’s currently riddled by injuries and too some key players.

Starting running back Pierre Thomas has already been ruled out for Week One due to a knee injury. He’s still not fully healed from his MCL sprain and this is a major blow to the Saints running game. He’s the best they have by far.

The Saints are now going to be forced to use a combination of Reggie Bush and Mike Bell. Not bad, could be explosive but wait Bush has also been hampered by injuries, still feeling side effects from his knee injury last season. Even thou he says he hasn’t felt this healthy since Week Seven of the 2008 season, there is still doubt.

In addition to Thomas being out the Saints will be without starting left tackle Jammal Brown for about a month or so. This is a huge blow to their offensive line as Jermon Bushrod a three-year vet will be guarding Drew Brees blindside. Brees is known for his quick release, but that release may have to get even quicker this week.

With Thomas and Brown both being out the Lions defense is going to get a big break. The question will be can they take advantage of the opportunity. Without Thomas, I’d expect Brees to go to the air a lot more often, can the Lions secondary keep up with the likes of Marques Colston?

Ironically, I’d have to say the defense will be helped out by someone on their own team, rookie Matthew Stafford. With Stafford in the starting role the team will be going heavy on the run game which should give the defense more of a rest.

This ball control, protect the young QB offense should help keep the Saints score down some. Can the Lions score enough to pull of a major upset? That I’m not sure about.

Thanks to injuries the Lions have the perfect opportunity to break their losing streak. They lose this they won’t get another solid opportunity till week eight when the St. Louis Rams come to town.

So again can they take advantage of the break they’ve been given?