Detroit Lions' Keys to Beating the Atlanta Falcons

The Detroit Lions head into NFL Week 7 facing a must-win situation against the Atlanta Falcons. While it is true that the Lions are 5-1, they don't want to drop two games in a row. The keys to victory are interesting this week as the Lions look to overcome adversity on multiple facets.

The 3-3 Atlanta Falcons head to Detroit, looking to get over the .500 hump. The team was said to be a Super Bowl contender in the preseason but have alternated wins and losses thus far. Good thing for the Lions, the Falcons won last week, so it seems they are destined to lose.

With a win, the Lions will be sitting pretty at 6-1. With a loss, doubt.

Here are the keys to beating the Atlanta Falcons.

No. 5: Get Creative with the Run Game

Without hesitation, the most worrisome aspect of Detroit Lions football this season has been lack of a running game.

To make matters worse, running back Jahvid Best suffered his second concussion of the season last week against the San Francisco 49ers. This is a serious concern for the team.

Another serious concern is the health of running back Jerome Harrison. After the Lions discovered Best would miss time with his injury, the team traded Harrison and a late round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for running back Ronnie Brown. This trade was nixed after it was discovered that Harrison has a brain tumor. The voided trade turns out to be a blessing in disguise for Harrison. Fans wish him the best.

The Lions are now left with a depleted running back core and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan will have to be creative with the run game this week against the Atlanta Falcons. Expect to see a couple of gimmick and end-around plays from the likes of Stefan Logan, Nate Burleson and maybe even Calvin Johnson.

No. 4: Put Matt Ryan on Ice

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is a better than average NFL quarterback but he's had his struggles this week. Through six games Ryan has eight touchdown tosses compared to six interceptions along with three fumbles.

In his last two games, Ryan only has a combined 330 yards total. It's a bonus to the Detroit Lions in Week 7 that Falcons' wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones are banged up. Without his weapons at full strength, Ryan has trouble moving the ball for the Falcons.

Expect the Lions to sense a maimed opponent and attack Ryan early and often.

No. 3: Utilize Brandon Pettigrew to the Fullest

Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew has quietly become one of the best in the NFL. He has 34 catches on the season for 321 yards and two touchdowns.

Pettigrew will be an integral part of the Lions offense in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings, Pettigrew caught 11 balls for 112 yards. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz stated after that game that Pettigrew was part of the Lions running game because of the Lions' struggles to run the ball.

Expect the same mindset this week against the Falcons. Pettigrew will have the best game of his young career this Sunday.

No. 2: Get Calvin Johnson Back in the Scoring Column

Detroit Lions fans know that Calvin Johnson is the best wide receiver in the NFL. Last week, Johnson was held without a touchdown for the first time this season. Don't expect this trend to continue against the Atlanta Falcons.

There's nothing that would install more confidence in quarterback Matthew Stafford and get Ford Field roaring louder than an early MegaTron touchdown catch.

Expect this to happen, possibly at the conclusion of the Lions first possession of the game.

No. 1: Don't Get Burned by Michael Turner

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner is a load in the backfield. He's coming off a 139 yard performance last week against the Carolina Panthers and is averaging 4.5 yards/carry this season.

The Detroit Lions haven't been able to stop the opposition's running game this year. They're allowing 5.2 yards/carry. With the depth at defensive line that the Lions possess, this stat must change for the better.

Michael Turner is no easy task, but the Lions defense must take pride in their work and stop the Falcons' bulldozer. If the Lions are successful in doing so, victory will be on their side.