The Detroit Lions spent their bye week recuperating. The football gods are shining down on this franchise for a change because it came at an absolute perfect time for the franchise. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson can lick their wounds before they face the NFC East’s Washington Redskins.
The injury to Shaun Hill’s left forearm during the New York Giants game necessitates that Stafford rush back from injury. Every team in the NFC North has been hobbled by injuries and looked overwhelmingly mediocre at best thus far in the season.
It is therefore imperative that Matthew Stafford takes the field on Sunday.
There are no guarantees in the NFL, but fans have bought tickets expecting that Stafford start the majority of games. Drew Stanton is a Michigan State alumnus, but starting a third string performer is certainly not the recipe for long term success in the league.
A one o’clock kickoff is ideal when it’s on Halloween because it allows families to participate in the traditional festivities during the evening after the game. Ford Field is not in Pontiac, so the stadium’s vicinity does not become gridlock for hours after the game.
In addition, the Redskins bring a rejuvenated fan base after the acquisition of Donovan McNabb. His victory against the Bears this week provided some solace-especially since it was against his hometown team. The Redskins play in the most popular division in the NFL and they provide a worthy opponent for the Detroit squad. Jay Cutler is throwing interceptions at a rigorous clip and Brett Favre is a shadow of his former self in Minnesota. It leaves it up to Matthew Stafford to try and match the production of Aaron Rodgers.
Stafford has had to practice this week without the luxury of throwing to Calvin Johnson at full speed. H
e is struggling from a shoulder injury and wide receiver Nate Burleson is also hobbled. The offensive skill players needed the rest especially now. Jahvid Best’s situation with his toe may be the most concerning of all. Turf toe is much more serious than the name implies. It can hinder the runner’s ability to maneuver effectively and is chronic in nature. Best has a penchant for reaching the end zone and his absence will change the team’s game plan.
They will have to either choose to put more of their plays in the air, or go with Kevin Smith more often on the ground. The latter would be the better move because it wouldn’t put excessive pressure on Stafford after his extended period on the sideline. It also allows the team to dominate time of possession. Keeping defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh fresh is of the utmost importance.
His productivity is especially needed due to the injury of linebacker DeAndre Levy. The Lions are fortunate to have their bye positioned where it is and they are also placed in the right division this season to be competitive. Now it’s up to the players to take advantage of the opportunities before them with the next two contests at home against the Redskins and Jets.