Detroit Lions Prediction: Match Up Analysis Vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback

In place of what was supposed to be a battle of two young promising quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford and Kevin Kolb, instead will feature two veterans who have taken two very different routes to the backup jobs they currently hold.

By now everyone knows the story of Michael Vick's fall from the mountain top.  He took a big step in his comeback with an impressive showing against the Packers last week.  He completed 16-24 passes for 175 yards and he also rushed for 103 yards on 11 attempts.

Shaun Hill took over for the second half of the Lions game against the Chicago Bears and looked shaky as he completed 9-19 passes for only 88 yards and an interception. 

Hill did lead an impressive drive at the end of the game that ended in a game winning touchdown only to have it taken away because the NFL apparently differentiates between a catch and a completion. 

Vick will be making his first start since his career was derailed by his prison sentence.  Hill makes his first start since being replaced by former first overall bust Alex Smith.

The feeling here is that Vick’s stats were helped out by Green Bay’s big lead.  Had this been a closer game the Packers would have fared better against him.

Shawn Hill bring a 10-6 record as a starter into the game.

Edge: Eagles- One quarterback is a journeyman the other is a former Pro Bowler who played like he missed Hawaii.

Wide Receivers

I have always felt that Calvin Johnson’s demeanor held him back as a receiver.  His laid back personality didn’t lend itself to the flamboyance of his position.  I think that last week’s call on his touchdown pass has angered him and that anger will be directed onto the Philadelphia Eagles.  He is going to have a big game despite missing his quarterback.

DeSean Jackson has been impressive in his first two years in the league.  In 2009, he averaged an impressive 18.6 yards per reception.

Jason Avant and Nate Burleson are both capable No. 2 receivers.

Edge: Even – Neither team has a distinct advantage here.

Running Backs

LeSean Mccoy played in all 16 games as a rookie in 2009 and averaged 4.1 yards per carry.  He played well enough to keep the starting spot he inherited when Brian Westbrook got injured.

After a really impressive preseason Jahvid Best had trouble running the ball against the Chicago Bears in Week 1.

Neither player really did well in their first game of the season.

Edge: Eagles – The presence of Michael Vick in the backfield gives the Eagles the edge in rushing.

Tight Ends

Detroit’s Brandon Pettigrew did not play well at all in Week 1.  Tony Scheffler fared a little better with six receptions.

Brent Celek exploded on the scene for the Eagles last year and had eight touchdowns to go with a nearly 1,000 yards receiving.  He was held to only two catches in Week 1.

Edge: Eagles

Offensive Line

In what had to be the most disappointing unit in Week 1 for the Lions, the offensive line can be considered the biggest culprit in Detroit’s loss to the Bears. 

The injury caused to QB Matthew Stafford on a blind side hit was the most obvious blown assignment, but their failure to open up many holes in the running game had to be the biggest concern.

The Eagles’ offensive line has been weakened by the loss of Jamaal Jackson to a season ending arm injury.  It still however features a Pro Bowler at tackle in Jason Peters. 

Edge: Eagles – The Lions offensive line needs to perform significantly better in Week 2 for the Lions to have a chance.

Defensive Line

Detroit's much hyped defensive line lived up to expectations in Week 1.  They played well enough to mask problems with the back end of the Lions defense.  Their goal line stand last week was one of the best in recent memory.

The Lions are deep enough at end that the loss of Cliff Avril will not be a devastating one.

A familiar face returns to Michigan as rookie DE Brandon Graham returns to the state where he starred for the University of Michigan.

Edge: Lions - Both teams have good defensive lines but Detroit will have the edge in this category on most weeks.

Linebackers

Detroit middle linebacker DeAndre Levy is listed as questionable for the Sunday’s game.  He did return to practice in a limited capacity during the week.  His replacements at middle linebacker did not play well last week.

Another familiar face returns, as former Lion Ernie Sims comes back to Ford Field.  He recorded five tackles in Week 1 against Green Bay and has been talking all week about his excitement to play against the Lions.

Edge: Eagles – If Levy plays the Lions could have the edge here.

Secondary

Detroit’s secondary will have to cover longer than usual this week as Michael Vick will keep plays alive with his legs.  They did not play great last week but were adequate for a group just learning to play together.

Nate Allen recorded five tackles and an interception in his rookie debut.  Asante Samuel is a Pro Bowler at CB

Edge: Eagles – The Lions did well in Week 1 but the Eagles are better here.

Special Teams

Detroit struggled once again in the return game last week.  After trying many returners its time for the Lions to realize the problems are in their blocking and not the returners.

The Eagles brought on special teams coaching ace Bobby April to improve a lackluster unit.  They did ok in game one.

Edge: Even – Neither team is really great here.

Prediction

This has the makings of a disaster for the Lions.  Michael Vick will further strain an already inexperienced secondary.  Detroit’s Linebacker will have a difficult time catching up with Vick.

Pick: Eagles 28, Lions 10