Lions vs. Saints: 5 Halftime Adjustments Detroit Must Make

Both teams come into this matchup with winning records and are right in the hunt to make it to the playoffs. The Lions are dealing with a string of injuries but are looking to hand the Saints their first home loss.

The Lions have been average in the first half that was hurt by timely penalties. Detroit should figure out their issues and play a much better second half. 

Here are five things Detroit must do in the second half against New Orleans:

1) Stop the Run

With Suh's suspension starting tonight, the Lions will need to find ways to stop the run. While the Saints are known for their great passing attack, the running game can definitely hurt the Lions.

Detroit needs to have someone on the d-line fill Suh's role and stuff any inside runs the Saints throw at the Lions.

2) More Nick Fairley

Fairley has shows flashes of why he was drafted so highly and why he was so successful in college. With Suh out of the lineup, it will be crucial that Fairley creates pressure on Drew Brees.

Fairley has been excellent when faced with a tough task in going against the Saints Pro Bowl guard.

3) Find Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson has been held quiet for the majority of the night. The Lions need to find their big play receiver who can change the game in one play.

The Lions will need to take a shot downfield to Johnson and let the talented WR make a play with his outstanding athletic ability.

4) Limit Penalties

The Lions really shot themselves in the foot with penalties on offense. Big plays were nullified by bad penalties.

Detroit needs to clean up the dumb mistakes and get their offense on the right track.

5) Limit Saints' Deep Routes

The Saints have had some success with deep throws and will really do damage to the Lions, if they aren't stopped.

Drew Brees will take more shots downfield in the second half. The Lions need to keep the New Orleans WRs in front of them and limit huge plays.