Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: 5 Lions That Need Big Games on Sunday

Week 3 of the NFL season is upon us and the Lions sit perched atop the NFC Norris (North) at 2-0 like Mufasa looking over his Pride Lands.  This Sunday will mark the first divisional game for both teams as the Vikings welcome the Lions to the Metrodome where Detroit has not won since December of 1997.

For some perspective, the last time the Lions won in the Twin Cities, Bill Clinton was still doing his thang in the oval office, while being serviced, I mean serving, his second term and Ol’ Blue Eyes was still with us.  Clinton and Sinatra, wow, talk about a true dichotomy of female conquests.  Their “rosters” were about as similar as George Clooney’s & George Costanza’s.

Back to football, the Lions will try and push their record to 3-0 for the first time since 1980.  As I discussed in a previous article, 5 Keys to win the NFC North, the Lions will need to split these next two road games with Minnesota and Dallas to keep pace with the Green Bay Packers.

Can they send a desperate Vikings team to 0-3 and scrambling for Brett Favre’s cell number again?  I could discuss the importance of Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Adrian Peterson, but I think that's pretty obvious and would insult your intelligence.  Rather, here are five additional players I feel will be instrumental for the Lions to enjoy the plane ride home Sunday Night.

Justin Durant

Justin Durant, the newly acquired outside linebacker, has led the team in tackles this year with 15 tackles, 12 solo.  The hard hitting former Jaguar is known for his aggressive play, as the tackle totals indicate, and stuffing the run.  The potential problem is being too aggressive. 

A back like Adrian Peterson can find the cut-back lane and sneak the play out the backside.  If Durant does not keep his containment assignment and crashes too hard, “All-Day” could have a field day bouncing the play back across the field. 

Schwartz’s defense is set up to allow the front four to create havoc while the linebackers funnel the play back to the center of the field.  Durant must play in control and not get caught sliding down the line.

Remember, before Jamaal Charles crushed many fantasy owners’ hearts last week stepping out of bounds and blowing his ACL, the Chiefs were having success running the ball, especially misdirection plays where the linebackers must stay home.  Percy Harvin could also cause similar problems with a reverse or two.

Dominic Raiola

I’ve already discussed the significance of Jeff Backus and he’ll have his hands full with Jared Allen, but don’t forget about the importance of Dominic Raiola.  The undersized center will need a big game Sunday to keep the Vikings front-four off of Stafford and open some holes for Jahvid Best. 

Sunday’s contest marks the return of Minnesota defensive tackle, Kevin Williams.  Williams, suspended for the first two games of the season, will be looking to make his presence felt early and often.  Raiola, the quarterback of the offensive line, must make the correct calls to keep the Vikings out of the backfield. 

Schwartz thinks highly of the former Cornhusker and on Sirius NFL Radio Thursday called him a better player than Kevin Mawae, a serious compliment.   Not so sure about that yet, but creating an effective run game in Minnesota will go a long way with me.

Stefan Logan

Did you realize Stefan Logan has not returned a kickoff this year?  Granted there have not been very many opportunities; given the Lions have allowed the second least amount of points in the league.  With the NFL instituting the new 35-yard line kickoff rule, the explosive Logan has been relegated to a center-fielder in the end zone.

This week, there may finally be an opportunity for the kick-return team.  Although Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell is very accurate, his leg strength leaves a bit to be desired.  Last year, Longwell never even attempted a field goal of 50 yards or more and of his nine kickoffs this year, only one was a touchback. 

With a less-than-Thor type leg, The Lions may finally get Logan a chance to break one, or at least swing field position.

Ryan Donahue

Ryan Donahue, the rookie from Iowa, did enough this preseason to supplant 11-year veteran Nick Harris as the Lions punter.  Donahue has averaged nearly 45 yards net this season with a 60 yard long and has dropped five inside the 20. 

Although he may not get as many attempts this year as Lions greats Tom Skladany and Jim Arnold did in the past, keeping the Vikings on a long field Sunday will go a long way towards helping the Lions get their second road kill.

Side Note:  Didn't Jim Arnold make you feel there was a chance, just a chance you could play in the NFL?  Damn I loved that pudgy fella!

Nate Burleson

The stylish WR who can rock a “man holder” effortlessly, is primed to have a big game on Sunday.  With Calvin having a three catch performance last week and still nursing a sore ankle most of this week, Nate Burleson should get plenty of opportunities downfield with Calvin pulling the coverage his way.  While converting on 12-of-14 targets the last two weeks, Nate has made the most of Stafford's looks.

With a weak Vikings secondary, Linehan will probably try and ensure their mutual Minneapolis homecoming (Linehan was the OC for the Vikings when Nate was there) is a fruitful one.  Burleson is likely to score his first touchdown amongst the purple and gold, pay attention fantasy players!

Look for the Lions to get another win on Sunday and the Honolulu Blue & Silver Kool-Aid, Cornbread and Butter to be in high demand around the water-cooler Monday. 

As to whether they cover the four point spread?  I wouldn't put too many potato chips on that.  The Vikings could see the season begin to slip away at 0-3 and they should put forth a desperate effort at home.  Enjoy the game!