The Detroit Lions return to an expectant Ford Field in Week 8, welcoming the Tennessee Titans. The Lions last played at home in Week 4. The bye week and back-to-back road trips to Dallas and Minneapolis have kept Dan Campbell’s team away from downtown Detroit.
Detroit returns to Ford Field with two big road wins in their pockets. An epic win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, paired with a pummelling victory against the Dallas Cowboys, has given the team colossal confidence and momentum.
But the Lions cannot rest on their laurels. The NFC features many competitive teams, and Detroit must continue to push the pace as they work through the heart of the schedule.
The Titans are next. They sport a 1-5 record and are bottom of the AFC South. However, the Lions must not look past Tennessee. Detroit must show up with a professional attitude and take care of business. Here are the Lions’ keys to victory in this one.
Unleash Sonic and Knuckles
The Detroit Lions have a special backfield duo in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery brings downhill power, ferocity, and excellent contact balance. Aidan Hutchinson once said tackling Montgomery is like trying to stop a bowling ball at full speed.
Montgomery is fourth in running back touchdowns and fourth in rushing success rate. The Titans’ interior defensive line has played well against the run. Per Sumer Sports, the Titans are fourth in run-defense EPA and sit second in TFLs and stuff rates.
Jeffery Simmonds is one of the NFL’s best interior defensive linemen. Simmons is ninth in ESPN’s run-stop-win-rate. Meanwhile, rookie T’Vondre Sweat has quietly imposed his will alongside Simmons. Together, they form a fierce run-clogging wall. However, the Titans have listed Sweat as questionable on their injury report. Sweat has a hip injury and missed Friday’s final practice session.
If Sweat does miss the game, expect the Lions to try to crack early runs with Montgomery and try to set up his running back buddy.
Jahmyr Gibbs provides the Detroit Lions with the explosive, home-run-hitting element. Gibbs ranks fourth in explosive play rate and second in EPA per rush, with five touchdowns to boot.
Gibbs enjoyed an electrifying game at Minnesota last week. He recorded 160 all-purpose yards alongside two rushing touchdowns. The Titans want to live in nickel personnel and leave the tackle box light, relying on their four down linemen and two linebackers to silence running backs. That can leave Tennessee vulnerable to speedy running backs out of the backfield, especially in the receiving game.
The Titans have surrendered four passing touchdowns to running backs in six games. With Gibbs’ speed, agility and game-breaking ability, he will have opportunities to generate more explosive plays.
If the Detroit Lions can get their backs motoring, they have the thunder and lightning that can take the game away from Tennessee.
Take away Tony Pollard and Force Mistakes
Tony Pollard has been the Titans’ main offensive spark in 2024. Pollard averages 4.2 yards per carry and averages 4.2 yards after contact. The former Cowboy is fighting hard for every yard.
But the Detroit Lions’ defense is set up to play well against the run. DJ Reader, Alim McNeill, Mekhi Wingo, and others must displace Tennessee’s offensive line, allowing Detroit’s physical linebacker group to flow to the ball and nail the ball carrier. ESPN ranks Tennessee 22nd in run-block win rate.
Linebackers Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez have played excellently in run defense. Also, look out for SAM linebacker Trevor Nowaske. Nowaske was one of Detroit’s best-graded linebackers last week and looks ready for a more significant role.
If the Lions shut down Tennessee’s run game, quarterback Mason Rudolph will have more onus. The Lions can then dictate the game script and force Rudolph into potential mistakes.
Do Not Overlook the Opponent
During the pre-season, Dan Campbell stressed to his players that teams would be hungrier to beat them. The Lions now had the target on their backs. With trips to Green Bay and Houston on the horizon, some may easily overlook the Titans.
That is the ultimate test for this game. The Detroit Lions cannot underestimate their opponent. The Lions know what it feels like to be a scrappy, flawed underdog. They were there in 2021. And that’s where the Titans are now. Some media members have called this a trap game, and the Lions will fall into a nasty trap if they come out with the wrong attitude.