Detroit Lions Vs. Carolina Panthers in 2011: Fan Preview
After starting the year at 5-0, the Detroit Lions now sit at 6-3, having lost 3 of their last 4 games. They have been inconsistent, disheveled at times and continuously bitten by both the injury bug and the NFL's disciplinary arm. Nonetheless, they still continue to push forward toward what they believe is a possible playoff run. That continuance begins this weekend, as they face the Carolina Panthers on November 20, in what can only be described as a true "must-win"
situation.
Since winning their first-ever meeting in 1999, the Lions have lost the last four meetings against the Panthers. In their last meeting, the running back duo of DeAngelo Williams(notes) and Jonathan Stewart(notes) torched Detroit's defense for 120 and 130 yards, respectively, and three touchdowns. With the current issues the Lions are having stopping the run, both backs are focused on duplicating those performances.
The most devastating concern for the Lions, however, is that of Panthers' quarterback Cam Newton. In four losses, Newton has thrown for at least 290 yards and has run for 7 touchdowns. He has solid weapons and a run game that can be productive enough to take some of the pressure off his shoulders. Against a staggering Detroit defense, Newton will be looking to throw it hard, deep and often, so long as Williams and Stewart can maintain the ground game.
On a bright note, the Lions improving defense is currently sixth in the NFL with 26 sacks. Last Sunday, they held Bears star Matt Forte(notes) to just 67 yards on the ground. If the defensive line can keep pressure on Newton and the offensive backfield, it should make the day a bit lighter for their defensive backs. However, they have shown that the only thing consistent in the defensive scheme is their inconsistency.
Matthew Stafford(notes), Calvin Johnson(notes) and company will have their work cut out for them, on the offensive end. Stafford is still suffering from the broken index finger which is blamed for his four interceptions against Chicago. Running back Javid Best is still out of the lineup with lingering concussion symptoms. With this in mind, the Lions will need a breakout game by one of their platoon of replacement backs.
As the Lions and surging Chicago Bears currently lay claim to the NFC's two Wild Card spots, and the Green Bay Packers remaining undefeated, leaving Detroit with no other option but to find some way to pull out a momentum-shifting victory against Carolina. They'll need it as they head into the Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Packers.
