The Detroit Lions offense did not get off to a great start in Week 1 under new offensive coordinator John Morton. The offense was unable to move the ball against a talented Green Bay Packers defense, putting up just 246 total yards. Entering Week 2, it doesn't get any easier for the Lions as they face another division rival in the Chicago Bears.
That said, Lions fans were likely hoping to catch a break with all the injuries the Bears' defense faced in Week 1. Unfortunately for Detroit, Chicago will have their best cornerback back on the field Sunday. All-Pro CB Jaylon Johnson, who missed Week 1 because of a groin injury, practiced in full on Wednesday.
Given Detroit's offensive struggles in Week 1, it would have been beneficial if Johnson had been sidelined for one more week.
Lions Must Face Bears CB Jaylon Johnson in Week 2
Over the past two seasons, Johnson has been a matchup nightmare for the Lions. The 26-year-old has allowed six receptions on ten targets for 31 yards in four meetings. This is significant because that was against a Ben Johnson offense that was humming and not a John Morton offense that struggled in their first game.
Even though Johnson has been able to shut down his area of the field against Detroit, Amon-Ra St. Brown has still thrived against the Bears. In those same four games, St. Brown has recorded 22 receptions on 34 targets for 259 yards and two touchdowns.
His success against Chicago came down to the style of defense that then-head coach Matt Eberflus called. Eberflus' defense was a Tampa 2 zone style defense. This meant he would rarely ever shadow Johnson over a team's best receiver.
That is what allowed St. Brown to have big games against Chicago. However, the Bears' new defensive scheme expects a lot more of St. Brown against Johnson. Chicago's new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, runs a more aggressive man-to-man style defense.
Since Johnson is his best corner, he will no doubt put him against St. Brown. As a result, Morton will have to find creative ways to get the All-Pro receiver open. If he is unable to do that, Detroit's offense will likely struggle like it did in Week 1.
Assuming that happens, Detroit could start the season 0-2. Starting the year with that record would put the Lions' chances of winning the NFC North for a third straight season and making a Super Bowl run at risk already.