3 Keys to Victory

The Detroit Lions will take on the New Orleans Saints in their home opener to kick off the season. Detroit had one roster spot available, and Dan Campbell had already hinted at what he planned to do with that final spot. It is now official, as the Lions have elevated Tom Kennedy to the active roster and signed DB Natrone Brooks to the practice squad.

Unfortunately, it will take a little more than bringing Tom Kennedy up to the active roster for Detroit to beat the Saints. I have three keys to victory that, if the Lions can accomplish them, should give them a great chance to win the game.

1. Force Two Turnovers

If Detroit can force two turnovers against the Saints, I would consider that a very good sign that they will win the game. Detroit is a 6.5-point favorite against New Orleans this Sunday.

Last season, Saints starting quarterback Tyler Shough made 10 starts and threw an interception in six of those games. In the six games Shough threw an interception, the Saints lost five of them. If Detroit can limit the Saints offense and create turnovers, I believe it will give them a massive chance to win.

2. Establish the Run

Detroit has undergone a complete offensive line makeover, with just one player set to start at the same position he played last season. Tate Ratledge is the only offensive lineman locked into a starting position at the spot he played last year.

Penei Sewell has switched from right tackle to left tackle. There is currently an ongoing battle at left guard between Christian Mahogany and Ben Bartch. Juice Scruggs is in at center, while Blake Miller, the Lions’ rookie first-round pick, is expected to start at right tackle.

Detroit also has a new offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing, who had success with the Cardinals’ run game during his three seasons there. The Lions will also be without David Montgomery, leaving Jahmyr Gibbs as the primary back for the first time to start the season.

A slow start to the run game could create early problems for Detroit, especially with so many changes along the offensive line.

3. Protect Jared Goff

With the offensive line completely revamped, Detroit will have to protect Jared Goff and give him a clean pocket to throw from. When Goff is protected, he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. However, when he is under pressure and forced to scramble out of the pocket or make throws with defenders in his face, his accuracy and playmaking ability can drop drastically.

Fortunately for the Lions, All-Pro edge rusher Cameron Jordan has been ruled out. Detroit will still have to deal with Carl Granderson, who had four passes batted down, six sacks and one interception last season. If Detroit can neutralize him, it will give the Lions another great chance to win.

If the Lions can successfully accomplish all three of these keys, I think they will have no problem winning this game. If they accomplish two of the three, I still think they have a very good chance of winning. If they only accomplish one, there is a legitimate chance they lose. And if the Lions fail to accomplish any of these three keys, Detroit could find itself in jeopardy when crunch time arrives in the fourth quarter.