Detroit Lions vs. Carolina Panthers: What to watch for in week 5

After a huge division win last week, the Detroit Lions return back home to take on the Carolina Panthers. Let’s look at some things to keep an eye on.

The Detroit Lions are hot right now. After winning a game last week that included a great running game, along with a stellar defensive outing, the Lions look to put a pounding on the Carolina Panthers. So let’s check on some things to look out for in this week five matchup.

1. Jarrad’s back

After what feels like a lifetime, (technically two weeks) Lions rookie linebacker Jarrad Davis is back. He returned to practice finally after suffering a concussion against the New York Giants in week two. In the first game without Davis, the Lions suffered as the Atlanta Falcons ran all over the place on them. But last week, even though Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings went down with an injury, the Lions still were able to stall the run game prior to his exit.

Now the Lions have shown they can still be a good defense without Davis. What’s that mean to me? Well, that the Lions are about to be one of the best defenses in the league now that he’s back. The team is flooded with players that are having breakout seasons so far along with Davis. Anthony Zettel, Tahir Whitehead, Nevin Lawson and even Glover Quin are all playing out of their minds. Bringing in Davis again to the mix can only mean good things.

2. The Lions might have a run game

Lions fans know that the team has struggled with running the ball. Last week, the telecast must have mentioned the fact that the Lions haven’t had a 100-yard rusher in over 50 games. And then Ameer Abdullah did what fans have been waiting for since he was drafted. He balled out. But of course, as he was ever so close to getting to that milestone, he injured his foot and didn’t return.

All signs point to Abdullah being fine this week though, and with that comes another chance at keeping his hot streak going. If he can keep this groove for a few weeks, it will definitely help the Lions at the end of the season. That balanced attack is something Matthew Stafford hasn’t had in his entire career. Getting that perk this season would really help himself and the entire team get to the next level.

3. What Cam Newton are we going to see?

After having an offseason shoulder surgery, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton looked as if he had lost it. He struggled in the opening few weeks, mainly with accuracy, but Newton bounced back in week 4. He played borderline perfect and even eclipsed a milestone for rushing touchdowns. And that accolade alone should be a worry of the Lions.

The team always seems to struggle with a mobile quarterback, and when that team has weapons like Kelvin Benjamin, Johnathon Stewart and Christian McCaffrey, it just gets that much harder. Davis and Whitehead are going to have to make sure that they keep Newton contained because if he’s running full speed at a cornerback then I just assume that cornerback is already obliterated.

Next: 10 keys for a Lions win in week 5

Stopping a quarterback should always be a top priority for a defense. And when that quarterback is the size of a tight end it should become a tip-top priority.