For the Detroit Lions, in a need of a game to get right, and the Tennessee Titans, in need of a strong showing before they lose control of their season, Sunday’s game has a lot of importance. The Lions do not want to be 1-2, and the Titans definitely do not want to be 0-3. However, while this looks like a game the Lions can dominate they cannot afford to play down to their competition like they did in week one against the St. Louis Rams. Great NFL teams roll over teams like the Titans, the Lions are not that yet but they need to come out swinging and it would be nice to see a complete 60 minute performance out of QB Matthew Stafford.
September 16, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) reacts after catching a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Lions 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE
The Lions come into week three scoring 23 point per game on average. They have averaged 362.5 yards per game. Their defense has allowed 25 points per game, while giving up 299.5 yards. The Titans are almost polar opposites. They are averaging just 11.5 points per game and are allowing 36. Their offense averages 48 yards, while allowing their opponents to gain 403 yards per game on average. Can you say trap game?
We should likely see Mikel Leshoure make his much anticipated NFL debut. He will need to inject some life into the Lions running game if they want to further keep opposing defense off balance. The passing game of this team is near elite, however the running game is average at best. The run blocking has to get better and the running backs need to get up field.
While the Lions did wind up placing DB Drayton Florence on IR (he is eligible to return later in the year) they did get Chris Houston back. He was a full participant in practice and should be ready to go. Bill Bentley practiced but not fully but has been cleared to return to football activities.
The TV broadcast for this game will be on Fox. Ron Pitts and Mike Martz are the broadcast team. In the Detroit Area 97.1 FM the ticket will have the radio side, with all their usual pre and post game activities. Satellite Radio listeners can catch teh Detroit side of things on Sirius 135.
Vegas has the Lions as 3.5 point favorites, but the Lions have to come out and play a complete game. We want to see them flat run over the Titans and prove that they are as good as we think they can be. Coming home to face the Minnesota Vikings 2-1 will be a great way to get through the opening weeks of the 2012 season.
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