Detroit Lions: 10 thoughts from week 4 win over Vikings

The Detroit Lions went into Minneapolis and defeated the Minnesota Vikings in a defensive slugfest. Let’s review the week 4 victory.

The beauty of the NFL is that a victory is the only thing that matters. The Detroit Lions did not play a beautiful football game in week 4. It was an ugly, gritty performance on the road against a good Minnesota Vikings team.

However, the Lions came out victorious and are now tied for the NFC North lead. It’s an awesome sign to see the Lions pull out a victory despite their struggles. Let’s break it down.

1. The Lions defense is really good

I originally thought the Lions would need an elite offense to be a playoff team in 2017. I was under the impression the defense could not be fixed from last year. I was completely wrong and am glad to be. The Lions did not have Jarrad Davis and held the Vikings to seven points. That feels like a minor miracle. They force turnovers better than anyone in the NFL (eleven in the first four games!!!) and tackle extremely well. Once they get the linebackers healthy this defense will be even better. I love the pressure they get every play. They only had two sacks but Case Keenum was never comfortable.

2. I enjoy how the Lions use the tight ends

The Vikings are excellent at defending the deep pass and have a lot of good cornerbacks. It is hard for wide receivers to get consistent separation against the Vikings secondary. The Lions made an adjustment and found the tight ends throughout the game. The tight ends caught seven passes for 82 yards on 10 targets. Darren Fells played his best game as a Detroit Lion and Eric Ebron converted two first downs. The tight ends did a solid job blocking and did well chipping on the Vikings defensive ends.

3. Glover Quin is the Lions first quarter MVP

Where would the Detroit Lions be without Glover Quin? They might just be 1-3. Quin made the play of the game forcing the ball out of Adam Thielen‘s hands in the last two minutes. He continues to patrol the backend and prevent big plays while being a playmaker and forcing turnovers. As the leader of the defense, Quin makes winning plays, and he sealed the victory against the Vikings. I love his toughness and his leadership in the locker room. He is one of my favorite Lions with his hustle.

4. Matthew Stafford struggled and the Lions still won

In the past, the Lions did not have the talent to win this kind of game. Stafford was hit all game (the Vikings ate him up with six sacks) and was forcing throws trying to make plays. He had 202 yards and only 19 completions. It was impressive how the rest of the team picked him up. The defense came through and Ameer Abdullah (we will get to him) carried the Lions instead of Stafford saving the Lions for once. We know Stafford will have big games, but he is still protecting the ball (only two turnovers so far) and spreading the ball to everyone despite the lack of big stats.

5. The depth at linebacker is very shaky

At the moment the linebackers are the biggest question mark on the team. Once Jarrad Davis comes back, this should become less of a concern. Tahir Whitehead has had two good weeks and is making plays, but the other linebackers continue to struggle. Now with the injury to Paul Warrilow, the Lions are on to third string linebackers. It was an admirable performance by Nick Bellore and Steven Longa, but they do not have the talent to be every-down linebackers. It is imperative for Jarrad Davis and Paul Warrilow to get healthy.

6. Player of the Game: Ameer Abdullah

It seems crazy to give this award to a non-defensive player, but Abdullah had the only touchdown of the game. Not only that, he was dynamic running the ball by making defenders miss and moving the chains. It is unfortunate he was hurt late in the game because 100 yards was within reach, but that should not take away from his best performance as a Lion.

7. Nevin Lawson is a viable #2 cornerback

According to Pro Football Focus, Nevin Lawson had a shutdown game against the Vikings. He only allowed one catch against five targets and did a really nice job tackling in open space. He also had two pass deflections and broke up a dump off pass in the red zone. Darius Slay gets all the attention in Detroit from the national media and there is zero doubt he is deserving. But Nevin Lawson is getting significantly better each week and developing into a weapon for the Lions defense.

8. The red zone offense must be fixed

The Lions are scoring points in the red zone yet there are serious concerns about the lack of touchdowns. In the Lions last two games, they have just two touchdowns on six red zone possessions. They are doing a great job protecting the football and I think the playcalling has been fine, but the execution is poor inside the 20.

The offensive line struggles to pick up blitzes and the wide receivers are not getting separation against press coverage. I hope that Jim Bob Cooter uses the tight ends as a weapon like he schemed against the Vikings. That might open some lanes for Stafford to throw to and get more touchdowns on the board.

9. The Lions did not play well and won a road divisional game

The defense was fantastic and Ameer Abdullah had his best game as a professional, but I still felt the Lions were just average in week 4. The offensive line did not protect Stafford, giving up six sacks. The Lions wide receivers were beat by the Vikings secondary all game. The defense gave up chunk plays to Case Keenum and Stefon Diggs had 98 yards. Despite those negatives,  this team is beyond resilient. The offense protects the football and the defense forces takeaways. That is winning football.

I love the formula Jim Caldwell develops each week to lead the Lions to victory. He had some negatives last week but he really had a great game in week 4. Teryl Austin and Jim Bob Cooter both produce winning game plans and the coaching staff in Detroit deserves credit for the hot start to the season. There is nothing better than a road divisional triumph.

10. The next four games determine if the Lions are Super Bowl contenders

I believe the 2017 Detroit Lions are a playoff team. They have an elite quarterback with an opportunistic defense that forces turnovers. If healthy, that usually leads to a playoff appearance in the NFL. The running game is (at minimum) average and we know the special teams will continue to thrive under Jim Caldwell.

My biggest concern through four games is the offensive line. I think the offensive line can be a strength when Taylor Decker comes back and if Travis Swanson stays healthy. Once Jarrad Davis comes back the linebacker group and run defense will improve. If Detroit is a serious contender for the Super Bowl (yes, I know what you’re thinking, let’s win a playoff game first) then the Lions should go 2-2 at the minimum over the next four games.

It will be difficult with the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers coming to Detroit, along with traveling to New Orleans and Green Day. Those are four excellent offenses and three league MVPs at quarterbacks (and a two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback to boot) that Detroit must contend with.

Next: Lions game balls for week 4 win over Vikings

Finishing 5-3 in the first half of the season with the schedule easing up in the second half would be a huge success for this team. It starts against a 3-1 Carolina Panthers team at home in Detroit. Ford Field should be roaring Sunday after a big victory against the Vikings and cause mayhem for the Panthers. This is going to be fun.