Quote:
Originally Posted by squashington
wp wp
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.* Although I do feel like I handicap this team at an above average clip.* Maybe I should see how I do ATS the rest of the season.**
This weeks mission was to convincingly beat a below average team on the road.* No more cardiac kitties needing 4th quarter heroics to win a game where the outcome was ever in questions. The NYG defense is top 10, but the offense moved at the right efficiency and avoided enough critical mistakes to keep the game out of reach.* Mission accomplished.*
I don't know the last time I've seen this team play this complete of a game on the road.* While they need to do this with more consistency, this was definitely a good sign.* The best part was no more bend but don't break defense BS.* This is two games in a row where the defense put the hammer down, pressuring the QB, batting down passes, killing drives, and forcing turnovers.* Ansah gets the game ball with 3 sacks, although at this point if you just look at Eli wrong he hits the turf.* Credit the improved secondary and LB's for doing just well enough in coverage for the D-Line to get the job done.**
My earlier comment on the Lions drafting a RB first next year is based on my assumption that Abdullah struggles this year.* 5.1 YPC against one of the top run D's is nothing to scoff at.* He needs to be a big play threat at RB, and he made a couple big plays when needed, so I hope I'm wrong on this one.* It's weird seeing Stafford's game totals looking like an average game for Calvin Johnson (122 yards, 2 TDs).* I'll take it every day over previous years of 350 yards and 3 TDs in a loss.* The run game got the job done here.*
Prater's FG gets the lol of the game.* That's a once in a lifetime bounce.* The only surprising thing was that from 56 yards he couldn't clear the crossbar cleanly.**
The rookie watch:*
Jarrad Davis had another decent game before leaving due to a concussion caused by dirty POS Beckham Jr.* Hopefully he doesn't miss much time, but it seems even mild concussions these days are taking 2 to 3 weeks to recover from.* Next man up I guess.**
Tabor rides the pine again.* It's hard to argue with this move with Slay, Lawson, Diggs, and Hayden all playing quite well.* I know it's a tough position for rookies,* Lawson and Hayden are on expiring contracts, but it's tough seeing a second round pick not play.* I've heard comparisons to Slay not being effective as a rookie but I don't 100% buy the comparison.* Slay was a combine hero who needed to hone his skills.* Tabor was a step slower than his contemporaries, but the expectation was he was refined enough as a DB to justify the high selection.* It's unlikely we see much of him this year unless injuries take over, or he starts progressing in practices.*
Golladay was a non-factor, as was almost every receiver.* Stafford has so many weapons to work with, that he's not going to light up the box score every game.* I still like where he fits in to this offense.*
Jalen Reeves-Maybin was the next man up when Davis went down.* One positive of the Davis injury is it might give Jalen enough playing time to try and take some minutes from Whitehead later, whose blown coverage lead to the Giants lone TD.**
Michael Roberts still appears to be the 3rd string TE, so no significant minutes from him.* I look to see if he works his way up to a bigger role later in the year.**
Jamal Agnew has been fantastic as a return man.* I'll be surprised if that's his only TD this year.* Hopefully he gets the KR job as well.**
Ledbetter continues to get some work in the D-Line rotation.* No major issues here.**
Through two games it's looking like at least an average draft from Quinn, and could end up being a fantastic one if one or two more guys develops into a key player.**
So next week is the real test.* Atlanta is an elite team.* The one unanswered question at this point is if Detroit has turned the corner into a team that can go deep in the post-season, or is still a wild card team that can't run with the big boys.* The mission here is to keep it competitive and not let Atlanta run away with it.* *If they can go toe to toe with Atlanta, their SB equity will jump substantially.* A win would be great, but at this point I'd be happy with the knowledge that the Lions are finally a legit top ten team.* ATL 30, DET 27.**
