Well, this is the year - or so 99% of the fans in Detroit think - that the Lions get a big, meaningful "W" on Thanksgiving Day. Many many talking heads have reminded folks that this is reminiscent of the 1962 Turkey Day game - the 10 - 0 Packers coming in to town - and in that game the Lions' defensive line, lead by Alex Karras, shredded the Packer offensive line, dumping Bart Starr over and over and leading the Leos to a whupping of the Pack.
The Lions feature a talented, deep defensive line. Ndamankong Suh is the big name, but Nick Fairley is rounding (or is that flattening?) into shape, and Kyle Vandenbosch, Corey Williams, Sammie Hill, Cliff Avril and Willie Young are all hard-charging linemen. The linebacking corps is much improved over recent years with the additions of Stephen Tulloch and Justin Durant. The secondary is lead by hard-hitting Louis Delmas at safety and Chris Houston at the corner. The Lions line up their defensive linemen especially wide, causing trouble for tackles who can't move quickly enough or overcompensate in moving outside to block, and the defensive tackles get great push up the middle. The unit has a reputation for being not only nasty but sometimes crossing the line. Nick Fairley recently threw Jay Cutler down and landed deliberately hard on his shoulder. Suh has been fined a few times as well. The fans, of course, think it's all very unfair while simultaneously praising their Lions' newfound dirtiness, likening them to the old Pistons' Bad Boys teams. The Lions' defense also forces turnovers; their turnover ration has been first in the league for most of the season.
Offensively, Mathew Stafford has remained upright and is getting better and better. He struggles at times with accuracy, particularly if he feels pressure or gets flushed. He's at his best in a shotgun formation, taking a two-step drop and getting into a rhythm. Stafford tends to start slow but pick up steam in the second quarter. Calvin Johnson is of course all-world - very big (6'-5"), very strong, and with great leaping ability and very good (though perhaps not great) hands. The rookie Titus Young has been very good, and Nate Burleson is a nice complementary receiver. Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler might cause lots of problems for the Pack - I'm sure OC Scott Linehan has watched San Diego's and Minnesota's, tight ends run past many a Packer linebacker.The Lions had no running game to speak of with Jahvid Best out until last Sunday when Kevin Smith ran over Carolina for 120 + yards. The offensive line is okay though not great. They're better as a unit than as individuals.
The special teams is the Lions' biggest weakness. Unlike previous years, when the special teams was the strength of the team, this year's Lions' special teams play has been poor. Stefan Logan is a threat, but the coverage units have been poor this year. The punting has been mediocre; I believe the old Aussie - Ben Chapman? - has been brought back for a game or two until their regular punter heals from a hammy pull. Jason Hanson is still reliable but does not have quite the leg strength he used to.
The crowd WILL be a factor. I was at the Monday night Lions/Bears game, and I have never been in a louder place in my life. If the Lions strike early, it will be deafening.
Look out. This will be one tough game, decided by, as is often the case in football, turnovers.
