The Detroit Lions are coming back home to Ford Field Sunday to host the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. Detroit is coming off an exciting last-second field goal road win on Sunday night in Houston as they sent the Texans home heartbroken. This week may be a little different; the Jags are one of the NFL’s worst teams. The Jags will have their hands full coming into a hostile environment. Will the Lions take the Jaguars too lightly or will they make an example out of Jacksonville proving to be one of the most dominant teams in the league?
Detroit Lions’ Offense Looks To Bounce Back
Detroit’s offense, led by Quarterback Jared Goff, looked horrendous and overmatched against the Houston Texans last week. The game reminded me of the famous WrestleMania 3 main event between Hulk Hogan and the “8th Wonder of the World” Andre the Giant. The Texans picked off Goff on five separate occasions. By halftime, Houston was dominating the game, overpowering Detroit, leaving Detroit Lions fans in awe and disappointed. Detroit took blow after blow, but like Hogan in 1987, the Detroit Lions “Hulked up,” picked up and slammed the “Giant,” and dropped the leg with a game-winning field goal with seconds left.
Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson has publicly called out his offense this week after the poor performance. Even with Tight End Sam LaPorta out with a shoulder injury, the Detroit Lions should be able to answer Johnson’s challenge. This offense should be able to move the ball at will, with Left Tackle Taylor Decker returning to the lineup after being on the injury report for Week 10. Not only should we expect Goff to get back into rhythm with his receivers but the running back duo of “Sonic and Knuckles” should have a field day against the Jags rush defense. The Jags defense ranks dead last in total defense allowing nearly 400 yards a game!
Lions’ Defense Welcomes New Face
The Detroit Lions defense will see the debut of newly acquired Edge Rusher Za’Darius Smith. Smith was a trade deadline acquisition from the Cleveland Browns to help the Detroit Lions after the injury to megastar Aidan Hutchinson. Smith was given the week off last week versus the Texans due to expecting a bye week with Cleveland and to get acclimated to the playbook. Expect Smith to be on a “pitch count” for the Detroit Lions this week, but to make an immediate impact. The edge rusher has five sacks halfway through the season, and it will be interesting to see his production without Myles Garrett.
Not only is Jacksonville’s defense amongst the worst in the league, but so is the offense, ranking 25th in total offense. The Jags are also starting Jones. Jones was considered a bust in New England and now has to face the gritty Detroit Lions defense. Look for Smith to get after Jones on top of the ball-hawk Defensive Backs of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
Final Thoughts
A few weeks ago, the Detroit Lions demolished the Tennessee Titans 52-14 without a great statistical performance. I’m not saying they will put up 52 points again because, let’s face it, it is the NFL. I wouldn’t be surprised if this game gets ugly and ugly fast. Jacksonville is one of the worst teams in the league, starting a backup quarterback who probably has some confidence issues after leaving New England.
Ben Johnson is going to have this offense performing beyond belief. This is fact, not fiction; Dan Campbell is the one coach who has his team prepared in so-called trap games. I already used one wrestling reference in this article so here’s another one. This game will be the NFL version of a “squash match!” Take the Lions and take them big. The Jags don’t stand a chance.
