The Detroit Lions are back on the road after their extended Thanksgiving break. Detroit suffered a damaging defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. Dan Campbell’s team is still in an excellent position to win the NFC North and book a home playoff game. However, the Lions have played inconsistently in the last two games. They must right that. The Lions can do that with a win over the New Orleans Saints. Here are three keys to victory.
Jack Campbell
With Alex Anzalone ruled out, rookie linebacker Jack Campbell will wear the green dot and shepherd the linebacker corps. It is a massive test for the raw rookie. Anzalone has played excellently this season, the Florida Gator has played at a Pro Bowl level, and the Lions will miss his experience.
It is a big ask for Campbell. However, he led the Iowa defense with aplomb. His character and personality should suit the leadership role. Moreover, Campbell has displayed good athleticism and a feel for the position. A significant pass breakup against Kansas City immediately comes to mind, but Campbell has played solidly against the pass overall. Against the Packers, Campbell earned a 71.0 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.
At the draft, GM Brad Holmes marvelled over Campbell’s coverage skills. The Detroit coaches have backed Campbell this week. They complimented his IQ, leadership and desire. The Lions’ linebacker group ranks 23rd overall per PFF; without their best player, there are concerns.
Nevertheless, this is why the Lions drafted Campbell. His athleticism has flashed at points this season, and now he must lead a struggling unit in a hostile environment. On Sunday, Campbell will be the critical component for the Detroit Lions’ defense.
Pressure Derek Carr
The Saints are 31st in ESPN’s pass-block win rate. Their offensive line has toiled at times this season, and Derek Carr has looked skittish in the pocket again. Teams have hurried and harassed Carr all season.
But the Detroit Lions’ pass rush has struggled a lot this season. Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeil have played brilliantly and have fought hard to create consistent pressure. Hutchinson is in the top ten for pressures generated. Sadly, the Lions are not getting legitimate production from many of his teammates.
Over 12 weeks, Hutchinson has recorded 63 pressures, while McNeil has 30. John Cominsky, Charles Harris, Romeo Okwara and Josh Paschal have tallied a combined 66 pressures. Teams are game-planning Hutchinson and McNeil out of games, and the others are not performing.
Somehow, the others must step up. The Lions have activated Bruce Irvin and Quinton Bohanna from the practice squad, and they will hope to add some much-needed firepower. The Detroit Lions can attack the Saints’ offensive line and the quarterback. The pass-rush must click into gear.
Win the Turnover Battle
The NFL is the toughest sports league in the world because the margins between teams are so tight. Therefore, losing the turnover battle will almost certainly cost a team. The Detroit Lions escaped with a victory over the Chicago Bears but could not fight out of their self-inflicted hole against Green Bay.
Jared Goff had an interception issue against Chicago, while his ball security cost the Lions on Thanksgiving. Detroit has drilled and practised ball security into their players this week. They cannot afford to lose the turnover battle. The Lions will lose if they give New Orleans more possessions and opportunities. Ball security, intelligent decisions and no giveaways will decide this game.