I've followed the Lions closely since 2021 when Goff was traded and Brad Holmes took over as GM in Detroit.
Most Ram fans reading this forum are well familiar with all the latest changes and news for the Rams.
In case you missed it, here's what's changed with the Lions since the playoff game last January.
Who's gone:
WR Josh Reynolds
G Jonah Jackson
CB Cam Sutton
NT Benito Jones
Who's no longer a starter:
DE Cominsky is on IR.
S Ifeatu Melifonwu, injured, will not play.
CB Kindle Vildor is now far down the depth chart in Lions' revamped secondary.
Who is new in the starting lineup:
G Kevin Zeitler from the Ravens replaces Jonah Jackson
Jameson Williams moves from WR3 to WR2
Kalif Raymond (out - injured last January) will be WR3
UDFA Isaiah Williams is currently WR4, but is another slot receiver like Raymond.
(note: this leaves them small at WR, without a true X big body. They signed Tim Patrick cut by the Broncos and picked up Allen Robinson, but both players are on the practice squad at this writing.)
NT DJ Reader from the Bengals replaces Benito Jones
DE Marcus Davenport from the Vikings replaces Cominsky
CB Carlton Davis from TB replaces Sutton
CB(nickle) Amik Robertson from the Raiders replaces Brian Branch
CB Terrion Arnold - rookie 1st round pick replaces Kindle Vildor
CB Ennis Rakestraw will probably get some snaps as well - rookie 2nd round pick
Brian Branch moves from nickle to SS.
K Jake Bates from the UFL replaces Michael Badgley out on IR. Rookie kicker has strong leg but questionable accuracy.
The two biggest area of change for the Lions are Dline and secondary. Their cornerbacks were a major weakness for the Lions in 2023, as well as the inability to get any significant pass rush from the side opposite Hutchinson.
The Lions are hoping that Davenport from the end and Reader inside will provide additional pressure on the QB.
Almost anything would be better at CB for them than Sutton and Vildore last year. The caution for Detroit still is that this secondary has not played a game together and it would be surprising if there weren't some communication/coordination issues with so many players in new positions. It should be noted that the Rams may have a similar problem.
Another note would be the maturation of some 2nd year players. Gibbs, LaPorta, Branch, and MLB Jack Campbell are no longer raw and may benefit from a season of experience.
When the Lions have the ball I expect them to try to run straight at a Ram defense that has more quickness than bulk. Detroit's oline is the strongest element of their team, and outweighs the Ram front five considerably. They will try to continue physical domination of the Rams. The loss of Josh Reynolds at WR could impact Lions passing game as he wasn't a star but was a reliable 3rd option for Jared Goff. They are looking for Jameson Williams to shoulder more of the load in 2024. Williams and Gibbs represent explosiveness and speed at WR and RB that can threaten a defense with a big play at any time, while WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has established himself as one of the game's best. TE LaPorta played last January but was coming off of a bad knee bruise and was not 100% for that game. He's healthy now, and the Lions will try to exploit any perceived weakness in coverage by the Ram linebackers with LaPorta.
When the Rams have the ball, the Lions will more often play man than zone, focus on run-stopping first at the expense of coverage, and then hope to get an improved pass rush coming at Stafford from both sides. NT Reader has just finished rehabbing a quad injury from 2023, and may play, but will probably not be a significant factor in this game. It will be up to Alim McNeil and Levi Onwuzerike to provide inside push.
Possible X factors for the Lions in this game -
They have been sitting on a powder keg with Jameson Williams, who has been held back by injuries, as well as some immaturity. Reports are that he's a different player this year and has improved his route running . If he is really ready to play a starting role, rather than brief appearance and he goes off, the Lions have a deep threat to complement their precision short and midrange passing game. Can Goff get him the ball?
MLB Jack Campbell was one of 4 1st, 2nd round players selected by the Lions in 23. The other three all shone bright - Gibbs, LaPorta, Branch.
Campbell had an up and down year and struggled with coverage. He is expected to take a big step up this season and will get the green dot.
DE Davenport has size and athleticism but has struggled for two years with injuries. For as long as he stays healthy, the Lions may get that pass rush that they covet. Designated pass rusher James Houston finished 2022 with 8 sacks in 8 games, but was out for almost all of 23. He's not a complete end, so won't play in regular sets, but could be a real threat in obvious passing downs.
Moved to SS this year, Brian Branch was everything the Lions wanted at nickle last year, and got a pick six in week one to help them beat the Chiefs. The move to safety will allow him a lot of flexibility. Branch is OK in coverage, good enough for a safety, but is an excellent open field tackler, good on the blitz, diagnoses plays telepathically, and is probably the smartest player on their defense. Look for him to be a difference maker.
The Ford Field crowd relished a playoff victory against the QB who left them. It doesn't sound to me like they're sated. They smell blood in the water and will be just as loud in 2024.
Last year's contest was as close as it gets. The Lions started out hot, but the Rams weathered the storm and held them to only 3 pts in the 2nd half.
This game sets up to be another great contest.
The Rams can win if Stafford has enough time to get the ball to Nacua and a healthy Kupp going against a Lions secondary that is still trying to gel.
The Lions will win if they can maintain a consistent running game, and get some big plays from Jameson Williams in addition to their staples St. Brown and LaPorta.
Ramily!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/04/2024 03:53PM by Saguaro.
