Detroit Lions: Why Calvin Johnson Will Break Randy Moss' TD Reception Record

Calvin Johnson has been the premier receiver in the NFL this season. Johnson and the Detroit Lions have started out 5-1 while he has already hauled in nine touchdown receptions.

Randy Moss set the current standard for touchdown receptions in a season with 23 in 2007. Johnson is currently on pace for 24 touchdowns despite being held out of the end zone Sunday.

Megatron's immense physical attributes give him a clear advantage against every defensive secondary in the NFL. The 6'5'' 240-pound wide receiver has demonstrated a vertical jump of at least 45 inches while grabbing passes at their highest point.

Johnson is a legitimate threat to the record because only three of the passing defenses left on Detroit's 2011 NFL schedule are ranked in the top half of the league.

The following slides will provide some predictions of the statical explosions that will propel Calvin Johnson into the record books. 

The Detroit Lions Still Have to Play the Green Bay Packers Twice

The Detroit Lions probably don't consider having to play the Green Bay Packers twice this season a blessing. 

However, the amount of points necessary to keep up with the undefeated Packers is going to force the Lions to throw the ball even more than they already currently do.

The final score was only 7-3 the last time these two teams met but Aaron Rodgers suffered a concussion in the first half and their offense is operating at an entirely different level now.

The presence of Charles Woodson will make things more difficult but the Lions will need a heavy dose of Calvin Johnson to overcome the Packers. Look for an even larger number of targets in the red zone as Stafford will need to get rid of the ball quickly to avoid Clay Matthews Jr. 

The New Orleans Saints Offer the Same Type of Opportunity

The New Orleans Saints boast the one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Drew Brees. His talent has not tapered off but an uncharacteristic number of interceptions last year gave Aaron Rodgers the current title of king. 

The Saints' offense is among the most explosive in the league with weapons like Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Jimmy Graham. The addition of running back Darren Sproles is the most underrated acquisition all summer.

The Detroit Lions will have to score in bunches in order to keep up with the Saints. Fortunately, the Saints pass defense is among the league's worst and Calvin Johnson should be able to exploit this deficiency for multiple touchdowns.

The Emergence of Titus Young

Titus Young has been inconsistent and appears to have regressed a bit. His receptions have declined every week since he hauled in five catches against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In order to for the Detroit Lions' offense to improve and keep scoring at such a torrid pace, the Lions will need Young to step up and deliver in a supporting role. He has shown flashes of the talent that sparked the Lions to take him in the second round.

Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan must be aware that the threat of Young will loosen up the defense on Calvin Johnson.

Matthew Stafford will be looking to get the ball to Titus Young in the middle of the field and let him run with it. This will allow the Lions to spend more time in the red zone, and the fade to Megatron is possibly the most difficult play in football to stop. 

The Roadtrip to Play the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears benched both of their veteran starting safeties last week.

Their replacements had yet to play prior to the writing of this article but if they were much better players, they would have been starting from the beginning. The fact that Brandon Meriweather was almost instantly inserted into the starting lineup after signing with Chicago on Sept. 4th does not bode well for the new starting free safety.

Julius Peppers may be back in the lineup by the start of this game which means that tight ends and running backs will need to chip in blocking the disruptive defensive end. Therefore, there will be less competition for targets.

Calvin Johnson has presumably not forgotten the touchdown that wasn't during opening weekend last season. Between his motivation to exercise those demons and the reeling Bears secondary, Johnson will have plenty of chances to pad his touchdown numbers during this matchup.

Matthew Stafford's Continued Health

Matthew Stafford's health has had a direct impact on Calvin Johnson's numbers over the past two seasons. Megatron's numbers have still been impressive but the chemistry between the two is really beginning to show.

The duo got together for throwing sessions in Georgia this summer. That type of groundwork has borne fruit so far this season and the continued reps should only strengthen the bond.

Additionally, Stafford has taken a large handful of shots this year and has yet to miss any snaps. The added girth he put on in the offseason seems to be benefiting him. Now that Stafford can handle the grind of a 16-game season, Johnson's numbers will reach record levels.