New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions: Four Matchups To Watch
By Cyrus Geller
Aug 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) during a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Lion’s Front Four vs. Pats’ O-Line
Let’s get this out there right now: Detroit’s secondary is not good. I don’t care what the numbers say, they don’t have much talent back there, and that will show on Sunday.
However with that said, Detroit’s front seven is just as good as the stats suggest. The Lions have the fifth best pass defense in the league solely because of their pass rush, and that guy they call Ndamukong Suh. Their front four has been wreaking havoc all year long, which is the primary reason they are a respectable 7-3.
New England’s offensive line has found their stride ever since they decided on a solid starting five back in week five, as they have given up a mere four sacks over the last six games. And these games have featured some of the best pass-rushing units in the league in the Bills, Bengals, Broncos, and even those pesky Jets. Holding strong against Suh and company will probably be their toughest challenge yet, although that group up in Buffalo sure knows how to get after the quarterback.
If the Lions get pressure up the middle (which is where the Pats are at their weakest point), and disrupt Tom Brady’s rhythm from the start, New England will be in for a rough contest. But if Bryan Stork, Dan Connolly, and Ryan Wendell step up, and give Brady ample time in the pocket, number 12 will shred the Lions.