Five weeks ago, the New Orleans Saints routed the Detroit Lions, 31-17 on their home field in the Superdome. Tonight, these two teams will have a rematch in the first round of the NFL playoffs.
I am cautiously optimistic that my Lions will play a much better game and at least give the heavily favored Saints a run for their money. Consider that in the Dec. 4 tilt, Detroit self-destructed with 11 penalties, and the Lions were missing several key defensive starters, including fireplug safety Louis Delmas, and two defensive lineman: Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh, who was suspended for two games for an incident in the Thanksgiving Day game vs. Green Bay.
Still, Detroit bested New Orleans in time of possession (35:06 to 24:54) and total yards (466 to 438). Detroit's offense needs to be productive once again, since the Lions' secondary is vulnerable and New Orleans QB Drew Brees is enjoying a record-setting season. His passing accuracy is devastating if he's given enough time.
Detroit's vaunted defensive line will need to put big-time heat on Brees, not necessaarily racking up a lot of sacks, but at least harassing and hurrying him into making some bad throws for incompletions and possibly even interceptions. And above all, the Lions must use their heads and play with discipline, avoiding turnovers and not getting goaded into taking cheap shots leading to unsportsmanlike conduct or personal foul calls.
Win or lose, I sure am glad to see the Lions back in the playoffs after more than a decade of futility.
GO LIONS!
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