The Detroit Lions Free Press

It is a bit of a shopworn cliche to suggest that Jim Schwartz’s first game as a Lions head coach, Matthew Stafford’s first career NFL start, and the first road game of the ‘09 season with the Lions coming off of a horrific 0-16 ‘08 season comes with a great deal of weight and anticipation. Still, if the Lions start the season with a poor performance in “Big Easy”, I am very afraid of the course this season could take.

It is not difficult for me to envision the Lions starting 0-6, especially if they are blown away by a productive, runaway Saints passing attack in the Superdome on Sunday. The Lions are in a position where they should be desperate to acquire some handholds and a firm footing with which they can begin to build upon. A solid road performance in New Orleans would be an excellent way to start that process.

In my eyes, this game will likely come down to the Lions offense’s ability to control the ball and keep the volatile Saints offense off of the field. The Lions defense should be improved, how in the hell could it be any worse?Although they lost linebackers Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims in trades, they were able to acquire SS Atari Bigby LB, AJ Hawk, and CB Dominique Foxworth. Hopefully Bigby and Foxworth can help out this slumping secondary. It is an utmost certainty that the Saints will be successful stretching the field with Brees delivering balls to Marques Colston, Lance Moore, and Devery Henderson with regularity. Henderson, who possesses hands of stone, has lightning quick ability to turn Brees’ deep balls into TD’s and could really damage the Lions on the Superdome fast track, especially if the Lions defense allows Brees the time to deliver the ball downfield.

Offensively, the Lions are going to have to manage Matthew Stafford’s immense learning curve by keeping the game at an appropriate pace, limiting penalties, controlling the clock, and hopefully, putting the game into a situation where the outcome doesn’t solely reside upon his strong, yet unproven shoulders.

The Lions can do that by allowing Darren Sproles and Javon Ringer to run over an undersized Saints linebacker corps, especially if the Lions offensive line can limit mistakes and win the battle in the trenches playing power football. They may be able to open some downfield opportunities for Matthew Stafford, drawing an extra man into the tackle box, by punishing the Saints defense.

The best player on the field Sunday, with apologies to Drew Brees, will be Calvin Johnson. Matthew Stafford will need to be effective in delivering the ball to Johnson, but also needs to capably spread the ball around so that the Saints are unable to focus solely upon the astonishing heroics of Johnson.

This may be a simplistic view of the games outcome, but if Stafford turns the ball over two times or less, Smith rushes for over a 100 yards, and Johnson has 5 or more touches, this game could be close enough for the Lions to eventually win. My guess is, however, that the offensive and defensive fronts will disappoint and that Matthew Stafford will play like the rookie that he is.

Saints 24 Lions 10….The “March to O-32″ begins!

The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions squared off late sunday night in their first matchup of the season. Early in the 2nd Quarter, the NFL's "Ironman" went down and didnt get back up. Brett Favre was hit while throwing and suffered a torn quadricep and his injury may have been a key factor in the outcome of the game. Detroit's Matthew Stafford played well, throwing for 360 yards with 4 TDs, but also inconsistent, throwing 3 interceptions.

"The mistakes are going to be there," Jim Schwartz said after the game. "He is a young QB with one of the best arms in the league. He just needs to mature a bit and those mistakes won't happen."

The Lions ended up winning the game 35-31, but defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham was not happy with the Lions sloppy run defense. Adrian Peterson scored 2 touchdowns and racked up over 200 yards. Cunningham said after the game that this week in practice they'll focus on finishing tackles.

With a win against the Vikings, the Lions stay tied with other division rival Green Bay. Will the Lions continue to impress? Or were the first 2 weeks just flukes? The only thing certain is that the Lions have something to prove after the worst season in NFL history.

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At the beginning of the season, no one, including myself, believed that the lions would start out 2-0. Well they are there and Detroit fans are starting to wonder if their luck had finally changed. However, NFL analysts believe that it is just a matter of time until Detroit returns to their old selves. It was only 2 years ago when the Lions were sitting at 6-2, only to have a meltdown and finish the season 7-9.

The Lions organization is doing everything they can to prevent that from happening this year. They have made many trades and they seem to be working in Detroits favor. Some notable players that have been acquired are Marion Barber III, Miles Austin, Ben Watson, Anthony Spencer, and Jamal Lewis. All of these players have been traded for without giving up stars Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson Jr.

Today they are playing a good Redskins team that is stacked with speed. Jim Schwartz said that the key to winning this game would be minimizing the big play. Louis Delmas and the rest of the defense are going to have their hands full, facing RB Deangelo Williams and WR's Santana Moss and Antwan Randle El. If the Lions want any shot at this game, the pass rushers have to get pressure in Jason Campbell's face.

The Lions have a shot to start out 3-0 and keep a tie for the division lead with the Green Bay Packers. If the Lions minimize offensive turnovers and contain the dynamic Redskins' defense, then they should come away with the victory.

PREDICTIONS: DET 24-21

u can do it, ur readers believe in u

That was one of the many signs that were sported by Detroit fans in their home game against the Washington Redksins. Calvin Johnson Jr. didn't disappoint either, with 9 receptions, 1 TD, and over 200 receiving yards. Johnson is clearly proving that he is an elitet WR in this game.

Although Calvin seems to be the fan favorite, Matthew Stafford was the player that stole the show. He threw for over 300 yards, completing TD passes twice. Stafford was playing so good that Jim Schwartz had to put Jeff Garcia in, during the 3rd quarter.

Detroit is playing good, but I'm still unconvinced. If they beat the Bears in week 4, then I will be officially on the Lions' bandwagon.

beat thoses bears