To Detroit's credit, the Lions are probably playing with their most balanced offensive team in years. Stafford was the smartest choice at #1 for the Lions who have regrettably started Orlovsky, Culpepper, Kitna and all-decade bust Joey Harrington at QB in recent years. Stafford has a strong arm and can make all the throws even though the only one he really needs is the one that gets it to #81.
6'5'' Calvin Johnson is a top 10 WR in this league but falls victim to a suspect supporting cast. Nevertheless, the man is still a threat especially after recording a 44'' vertical earlier in the year. DeAngelo is going up against his hardest mark of the season so far, by far.
As far as the running game goes, don't expect much from the Lions. 30 percent of running plays against the Washington D have gone for 1 yard or less this season. That stat right there deserves a moment of silence...
... Against a similarly talented Viking D-line, Kevin Smith ran for 83 yards on 24 carries. Against the Saints, he only had 20 yards proving that Detroit will abandon the run early when trailing.
3 matchups to watch: Calvin Johnson vs. DeAngelo Hall. Look for Landry to shadow CJ all day possibly looking for the big hit. I'd be shocked if Blatche left D. Hall on Johnson 1-on-1 but that is what he's getting paid for.
Redskins D-line vs. Lions O-line. Double team or no double team, that pocket will be gone 2-3 seconds into every play. Lions might run some screens with Smith- he's got nice hands and good quickness in the open field- but the Redskins will inevitably add to their sack and TFL total.
Lastly, there's a chance Blatche overemphasizes coverage on CJ. If so, the Lions have capable secondary WRs like former first round pick Bryant Johnson or receiving TE Brandon Pettigrew.
Matchup not to watch: former Redskin OT Jon Jansen- he doesn't start. Redskins win 24-13.
I think in a couple years that Johnson-Stafford could be one of the top 5 qb-wr combos in the NFL if they stay healthy!
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