After a brutal loss to Buffalo, the Lions return home with plenty to prove. If Detroit wants to avoid another ugly performance, these three keys could determine whether they beat the Jets—or struggle again.
Sunday is quickly approaching, and the Lions are starting to prepare for a matchup against former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets.
Unfortunately for the Jets, they’re not expected to have starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick or starting tight end Mason Taylor for this game. Detroit, on the other hand, is expected to get back both starting offensive linemen, left guard Christian Mahogany and right tackle Blake Miller.
Each week, I post my keys to victory, and if the Lions can follow all of these keys, they should have an easier time winning. Last week, Detroit completed just one key and ended up getting beaten by double digits against the Bills.
Key 1: Score 3+ Points on the Opening Drive
On the opening drive of Detroit’s first two games against the Saints and Bills, they went three-and-out both times. Detroit had a 5-1 record last season when scoring a touchdown on the opening drive.
I’m not even asking Detroit to score a touchdown. I just want them to sustain a good drive and get points on the board.
Had they done that in both games, they wouldn’t have needed to go into overtime to beat the Saints, and the Bills game could have looked a lot different.
This becomes even more important if the Jets receive the ball to start the game. A quick three-and-out could put Detroit’s defense back on the field faster than expected, giving them little to no rest.
Key 2: Establish the Run
Last week, Detroit didn’t necessarily fail to establish the run because they fell behind so quickly and were forced to pass for the majority of the game. But having a strong run game, especially against a weaker opponent, should give the Lions the upper hand.
Jahmyr Gibbs had just 16 carries for 52 yards, averaging a low 3.3 yards per carry against Buffalo.
Now, Gibbs doesn’t need to see 29 rushing attempts like he did against the Saints, but I would like to see a more balanced run-pass attack from Detroit.
Running the ball can help control the clock and maintain a lead. If Gibbs gets off to a hot start, it will make it even tougher for the Jets to remain in the game.
Key 3: Record at Least One Interception
Surprisingly enough, Geno Smith and the Jets have yet to throw an interception this season. Smith does have just one touchdown pass, but if Detroit can come away with an interception or another turnover, it would give the defense momentum and provide the offense with another opportunity to put points on the board.
The quicker Detroit’s defense can get off the field, the better they should be able to perform down the stretch of the game.
Overall
As always, if Detroit can complete all three of these keys, they should put themselves in a great position to win this game.
If they complete two of the three keys, they should still have a good opportunity to come away with a victory. But completing only one key would put the Lions’ chances of winning in jeopardy.
And if Detroit doesn’t accomplish a single key, their chances of winning will drop drastically.
