It’s the big game in the Big Easy as the Detroit Lions take on the New Orleans Saints in a Wild Card matchup tonight at 8PM ET from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome (NBC).
The Lions enter in unfamiliar territory as they take part in their first postseason game since the 1999 season and will look for their first playoff win since the early 1990’s.
For the Saints, a big contender for the Superbowl this season, they look to have better fortunes in the opening game after their stunning loss to the Seattle Seahawks last season in Wild Card weekend.
Obviously heading into tonight’s game, the Saints are a heavy favorite at home where they haven’t lost all season and it’s going to take a near perfect game for the Lions to earn they way to Green Bay next weekend.
New Orleans Player to Watch: Drew Brees, QB
Drew Brees certainly has all the tools in his arsenal to win this game by himself. Entering the game, Brees has 5,476 yards, 46 touchdowns and a 110.6 RAT.
In early December, Brees completed 26 of 36 passing attempts for 342 yards, 3 touchdowns and zero interceptions en route to a 31-17 win over the Lions. The bad news for Lions fans and especially the Lions defense is unfortunately that was an average game at best for New Orleans’ franchise QB.
Detroit Lions Player to Watch: Matthew Stafford, QB
Quarterback Matthew Stafford is going to have plenty of pressure on his shoulders as he plays in his first ever playoff game as a pro.
The question surrounding Stafford in this game is not whether or not he can perform because this season has certainly proved he is without a doubt a top 10 QB in the league (maybe even top 5). The big question is whether or not the team is asking too much of their young quarterback.
The Lions don’t have a very serviceable running game to help take some of that pressure off Stafford so it’s going going to be up to him to maybe win this game through the air as opposed to on the ground.
The defensive line must dominate
If the Lions want any shot at slowing down Drew Brees’ passing attack, it’s going to have to start at the defensive line.
During the regular season the d-line forced 17 fumbles, 10 between defensive end Cliff Avril (seven) and Vanden Bosch with thirty-five of their 41 sacks this year having come from defensive lineman.
Also, for the first time since Thanksgiving, the Lions will have a healthy eight man rotation on the defensive line.
Keep pace with New Orleans in terms of the big play
Despite having Louis Delmas back in the secondary, Drew Brees is still going to find his receivers and make those big plays on offense.
For the Saints the deep play isn’t always coming off of the deep pass.
New Orleans runs a lot of deceiving crossing routes and use plays that create a lot of space underneath for receivers and tight end Jimmy Graham to catch and run. So the tight ends are certainly going to have their hands full as well, especially when dealing with Graham.
The Lions though are certainly capable of the big play themselves.
The Stafford to Calvin Johnson connection has been one of the most productive offensive attacks in franchise history. When he’s one his game, Stafford can be capable of a big play each drive which may have to happen today in order for the Lions to keep pace.
The Lions cannot play themselves as well as the Saints
In their first matchup this season the Lions committed 11 penalties that cost them 110 yards of passing offense and 107 yards of field position.
This all come on the heels of the Ndamukong Suh stomp to Evan Dietrich-Smith of the Green Bay Packers the week prior.
Now it wouldn’t really be fair to say the Lions would have won the game if they didn’t take all the stupid penalties they did. But it’s probably save to assume that the game could have been a lot closer than the 31-17 outcome.
The Lions simply cannot afford to give up yardage to a team like the Saints and if they do it’s going to be a very long night. But if they can keep their composure and create a strong offensive attack, they will be right there with the Saints and give themselves a good chance to win the game.
Injury Report
Detroit Lions
Out: None
Doubtful: Chris Harris (back)
Questionable: None
Probable: Aaron Berry (shoulder), Louis Delmas (knee), Nick Fairley (foot), Chris Houston (knee/hand), Calvin Johnson (achilles), Alphonso Smith (foot), Kevin Smith (ankle/knee), Cliff Avril (back), Corey Williams (Hip), Willie Young (ankle)
New Orleans Saints
Out: Jonathan Casillas (knee), John Gilmore (toe), Lance Moore (hamstring)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: None
Probable: Robert Meachem (knee), Jonathan Vilma (knee), Jonathan Amaya (shoulder), Malcolm Jenkins (neck)
Prediction
Heading on the road and taking on a veteran and playoff experienced team like the Saints is always tough. Let’s face it too everyone, this wasn’t the year the Lions were suppose to make the playoffs and go on a run. Something though the Lions can gain in all of this is valuable experience for the years to come. Simply put the Lions aren’t ready… yet. Saints win 40-31.
Ref: Mlive.com, Detroit News, Daily Tribune (image)
