Lions vs. Panthers: 5 Second-Half Adjustments Detroit Must Make

Once the darlings of the young NFL season, ever since 'handshake-gate' the Lions have started to see their magical year slip away. They've lost 3 of 4, and criticism (warranted or not) of Jim Schwartz and Ndamukong Suh's antics simply won't go away.

Today they're up against the NFL's most explosive rookie in Cam Newton, and they have their hands full.

Despite an awful first have performance, the game is still in reach for the lions. If Detroit is the Super Bowl contenders we once thought they were, they should be able to come back at home.

Here are 5 adjustments to help them do just that.

1. Get to Newton.

We thought coming into the game, this would be the main narrative: Detroit's fearsome D-line against the flashy but inexperienced Newton. So far, Newton has mostly avoided the rush with quick drops and an effective running game.

As Carolina adjusts its offense in the second half to nurse the lead with more max protect sets and the inclusion of more screens and 3-step drops, Detroit will have to alter its rush to find a way to hit Newton and create three-and-outs.

One adjustment is to include more blitzes from the secondary. Sure it's risky, but Detroit needs to keep confusing Cam, and rushing from the second level will accomplish that. 

2. Clean up the mistakes and make better decisions with the ball.

So far, we've seen a kick returned for a touchdown, bad penalties, a lost fumble, and interceptions. Jim Schwartz will raise hell in the locker room, but will it be enough to wake up the slumbering Lions? 

The picks are on Matthew Stafford. He's thrown two picks already today, and neither were forced errors. The throw to Calvin Johnson in the end zone was tantalizing, but Megatron was triple covered.

Stafford has to clean up his play in the second half, injured thumb or not. Detroit can't win with him turning the ball over multiple times a game.

3. Clamp down on Steve Smith.

Even before the touchdown pass at the end of the first quarter, it was clear Newton was targeting Smith early and often today. It's becoming clear that Detroit needs to adjust it's coverage on Smith. Harass him off the line to disrupt he and Newton's timing, and don't leave him single covered downfield.

4. Keep feeding the OTHER Smith.

How about Kevin Smith? Several big gains and a touchdown in the first half with no signs of slowing down. Given the miscues in the passing game and on special teams, Detroit would be smart to keep the ball in Smith's hands in the second half.

A strong running game should also keep some of the pressure off of Stafford.

5. Take more shots to Megatron.

Detroit opened the game with a couple deep shots. Neither came off, but you could tell Carolina was shaken (at least until the first interception). If Stafford's hand will allow him to throw deep, Detroit should take more shots. 

They need quick scores to get back in the game, and stretching the field vertically will open up more room for Kevin Smith and Burleson in the middle.