Detroit Lions: 10 keys for a week 5 win over the Carolina Panthers

The Detroit Lions had an excellent first quarter of the season. They now must defend the den and face a 3-1 Carolina Panthers coming off a big win.

It is incredible to think we are already a quarter into the NFL season. The Detroit Lions are cruising at 3-1 and six inches from being undefeated. This week, they defend the den at Ford Field and face the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are also 3-1 with a big road win last week against the New England Patriots. Head coach Ron Rivera brings the Panthers to Detroit looking for another road victory.

Both teams are looking to keep pace in their respective divisions. A 4-1 record feels a lot closer to a playoff berth than 3-2 would. The Panthers have a dangerous (but inconsistent) quarterback, physical wide receivers, and a scary pass rush. Their linebackers make plays all over the field and Christian McCaffrey is a touchdown threat with every touch. But they have holes on their team. Let’s break down a big NFC week five matchup.

1. Spy Cam Newton on third down

Despite all the media hoopla surrounding Cam Newton over a certain press conference, the Lions must keep Cam Newton in the pocket. A lot was made about Newton staying in the pocket in 2017 and he only has 22 carries so far through four games. However, he is still a weapon with his legs, especially on third down. Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula loves to call draws on third and medium and quarterback power runs on third and short.

Jarrad Davis is still questionable, so the most likely duty of spying Cam Newton will be Tahir Whitehead. Whitehead has been impressive in 2017, having his best season. He excels at staying with his assignment and can stay with Newton. You also could see Miles Killebrew get some chances to go after Newton with his physicality and tackling skills.

2. Time to unleash Matthew Stafford

The Lions are 16th in passing attempts in the NFL, which comes at a surprise to a lot of pundits. Jim Bob Cooter has a balanced offensive attack and the Lions should continue to rely on the run in 2017. This game, I would let Matthew Stafford loose. It’s a risk because the Lions pass protection is shaky and the Panthers can get after the quarterback. The Panthers are 11th in the NFL sacking the quarterback.

Despite those concerns, this feels like the perfect game to get Stafford in rhythm. Tom Brady and Drew Brees picked the Panthers apart (a combined 529 yards through the air) and really went after the deep middle of the defense. Panthers safety Kurt Coleman is out with a sprained MCL and this will give the Lions an advantage to attack. It will be imperative to protect Stafford and keep a back or tight end to help to give Stafford a chance to extend the Panthers defense.

3. Match the Panthers’ physicality at wideout

Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess are not burners but instead hulking wideouts. They create space with their size and can outmuscle cornerbacks for 50/50 balls. I will be curious to see how much press coverage Teryl Austin calls. I expect more zone to help manage Newton in the pocket and keep eyes on Christian McCaffrey, but you do not want the Panthers wideouts to sit in zones for easy completions. Darius Slay and Nevin Lawson must avoid being boxed out on jump balls. They also must bring down the Panthers wide receivers on the first attempt at a tackle.

4. Let Golden Tate eat

This can go with point #2, but this is where Golden Tate can flourish. The Panthers are 26th against #1 receivers and give up a lot of easy completions. The Panthers focus more on playing safe and letting the pass rush force the quarterbacks into bad throws. They will also play off the wideouts and this will be perfect for Golden Tate to get yards. He only has 112 yards in his last three games after tearing up the Arizona Cardinals in week one. My biggest complaint about the Lions through four weeks is the conservative play calling with the passing game. To get the passing game going, it starts with Golden Tate being a factor.

5. Contain Christian McCaffrey in the return game

Detroit has a very good special teams unit and usually, I would not be concerned. However, Christian McCaffrey is a freak athlete that can break a game open. Jeff Locke will need to punt away from McCaffrey and get a lot of hang time. Every kickoff should be in the back of the end zone. Detroit cannot take any chances with McCaffrey changing momentum with a big return.

6. Don’t rely on yards after the catch

The biggest strength of the Carolina Panthers is their nasty linebacker group. Luke Kuechly is the best middle linebacker in football. Thomas Davis is a seasoned veteran and Shaq Thompson is a three-down linebacker that can cover running backs and tight ends. They also are incredible tacklers and chase down most offensive playmakers.

The Lions love to use short passes to get the pass catchers in space and get yards after the catch. This will be a tough game to use those completions for easy yards. Stafford will have to make plays down the field and rely on the wide receivers getting open.

7. Continue the aggressiveness in the secondary

The Detroit Lions have the most takeaways in the NFL and they will continue that trend Sunday. The Panthers have seven turnovers in 2017 and five of those are interceptions. The Lions secondary is as aggressive as any team in the NFL and Cam Newton is known for throwing off his back foot and making mistakes. When Newton faces a blitz, he can become rattled and stare down his wideouts. Look for Detroit to jump routes and send blitzes to force turnovers.

8. Go for chunk plays on first down

The Panthers are giving up big plays on first down with opponents gaining 5.1 yards per play. Against an aggressive defense, taking chances at chunk plays on first down can make the defense hesitate later in the game. The Lions are establishing the run early through four weeks and I expect the Panthers to play the run on first down. This should give the Lions opportunities on first down for play action. Look for Detroit to draw the linebackers in on first down and then hit crossing routes over the linebackers heads.

9. Ezekiel Ansah needs to step up

After a blistering game in week 2, Ezekiel Ansah has been very quiet. He is playing the run well, but he is not exploding off the line of scrimmage for sacks. This is the perfect game for him to get going. The Panthers are 25th in the league in protecting the quarterback and Mike Shula does not call quick passes. Cam Newton will hold the ball in the pocket and leave himself as a target. Tackles Matt Kalil and Daryl Williams continue to struggle and Ansah can feast on both.

The Lions are generating pressure in a plethora of ways, with Anthony Zettel and the defensive tackles getting in the face of the quarterback. The Lions are at their best when Ezekiel Ansah is healthy and engaged. I expect Ansah to really get after Cam Newton on third down and force a big play. This will be a big week for him.

10. Use the tight ends…as run blockers

I enjoy when Jim Bob Cooter uses the tight end in the passing game. This week, the opposite needs to happen. With an elite linebacker corps, the Panthers are 6th facing tight ends. Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis are really good defending the run and the Panthers employ them consistently to help stop the run.

In week five, the Lions should use both Eric Ebron and Darren Fells as run blockers. I would expect a lot of two tight end sets, especially with Kenny Golladay expecting to miss Sunday’s game. Ebron is a better blocker this year and Fells’ main strength is getting to linebackers in the run game.

Next: Teryl Austin powers Lions' elite defense

Another reason for two tight ends is to hard sell the play action game and draw the linebackers to the line of scrimmage. Using the play action and going over the top of the defense will give the Lions a lot of scoring opportunities.