NFL Week 6 Analysis: Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants

Quarterback

After last week’s performance by Shaun Hill, who had quarterback rating of 117.6, Peter King of SI.com named him the offensive player of the week. Hill’s performance was impressive, and although it came against a team that was only allowing 13 points a game at the time, the St. Louis Rams rank in the bottom third of the league in pass defense. Hill’s task will be significantly more difficult this week as he goes up against the New York Giants, who boast the best pass defense in the NFL.

Eli Manning, aka "the other Manning," as most people refer to him, has already committed 12 turnovers this year with eight interceptions and four fumbles lost.  On the plus side, Manning is completing a career best 64 percent of his passes. 

Edge: Lions.

Shaun Hill has been one of the better quarterbacks the last two weeks.  Eli Manning had his highest career QB rating last year at 93.1, but has not had a good start to this year.  His tendency to throw interceptions at the most inopportune times, however, has occurred too often.

Wide Receivers

The performance by Nate Burleson last week showed that he may have been the most significant injury the Lions have had this year, and that includes Matthew Stafford.  His return sparked the passing game and freed up others to make receptions. 

After injuring his right shoulder against the Rams, Calvin Johnson was able to return to limited practice on Wednesday, but he is still questionable for Sunday’s game. Injury aside, it looks like he will be ready to go.

Hakeem Nicks started the season strong with three touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers.  Nicks had a subpar performance in Week 2 against the Colts, but has caught fire since.  He has gone over 100 yards receiving in each of the last two weeks.

Edge: Giants 

If Johnson was healthy it would be a different story, but as of now the edge has to go to the Giants.

Running Backs

The Lions run game continues to struggle. Lead back Jahvid Best is only averaging 3.5 yards per carry.  He has, however, done a nice job receiving, and is second on the team with 25 receptions.

The Giants boast two running backs, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, who are both averaging nearly 5.0 yards a carry.  The Giants feel comfortable with either one, but Bradshaw has already fumbled three times this year. 

Edge: Giants 

The lions are a pass first team and own the league’s highest pass to run ratio. 

Tight Ends

Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler have been the best tight end combination in the league this year.  The two of them have a combined 50 receptions so far.

Kevin Boss has only nine receptions on the year, but has averaged a hefty 16.7 yards per catch.

Edge: Lions

The Lions love their tight ends and know how to use them.

Offensive Line

The Lions offensive line had a good performance last week against the Rams.  They will have to play their best game of the year if they want to hold the Giants defensive line in check.

The Giants offensive line has been hampered by injuries all year, but they seem to be getting healthier just in time for the Lions, as Pro Bowl Center Shaun O’Hara has returned to practice.

Edge: Giants

Until the Lions can run the ball, it will be tough to give them an edge here. 

Defensive Line

The Lions defensive line, The Motor City Wrecking Crew, have exceeded their lofty preseason expectations.  The Lions managed to make Sam Bradford look like the rookie he is without resorting to the blitz.

The Lions need to make sure that Shaun Hill does not get his hands on video of the Giants–Bears game from two weeks ago.  If he does, he may come down with flu like symptoms just to avoid getting decapitated a la Jay Cutler. 

The Giants D-line followed up the Chicago game with another strong effort, as they held the Houston Texans to only 24 yards rushing.

Edge: Even

It is hard not picking The Crew, but what the Giant D-line has down this year can’t be denied.

Linebackers

The Lions Linebackers are still bad, still injured, and still need to be replaced.

The Giants have had their own issues at linebacker.  Keith Bulluck will look to return to the lineup against his former defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz. 

OLB Michael Boley has 28 tackles on the year, but 16 of those came in week 2 against the Colts.  He is still looking for his first sack of the year.

Edge: Giants

New York’s linebackers may not be great, but the group the Lions are featuring doesn’t measure up.

Secondary

The Lions secondary has been a pleasant surprise the last two games, as they have exceeded preseason expectations.  Alphonso Smith leads the group with three interceptions.

Giants safety Kenny Phillips has been hampered by injuries most of his career, but when active he is one of the harder hitting safeties. 

Edge: Giants

Number one against the pass is a hard stat to argue against.

Special Teams

Stefan Logan sparked the Lions last week with a 105 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and Jason Hanson continues to be a premiere kicker.

The Giants are only averaging 18.7 yards per kickoff return, good for 30th in the NFL.

Edge: Lions

Prediction

The Lions are feeling really good about themselves after shellacking the Rams to the tune of 38 points.

The Giants are 2-1 at home this year, but they have lost their last three home games against the Lions.

However, history will not repeat itself as the match-ups simply do not favor the Lions.

Pick

Giants 27, Lions 21

2010 pick record 4-1