Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
- 2,552
- 0
Speaking of Stafford, it seems he’s been around forever. Now in Year 11, how is he playing and how does the offense cater to his strong skill set?
TT: Stafford really likes this new offense and it seems to fit his skill set. Detroit has been inconsistent running the football this year, but they’ve stuck with it, which is a credit to Bevell. By doing so, it’s opened up the play-action pass, and Stafford is using that big right arm of his to take shots down the field.
Stafford is averaging 13.08 yards per completion, which is fourth highest in the NFL. His 21 completions of 21-plus yards are the seventh most in the league. He’s averaging 8.0 yards per attempt, which would be a career high.
This is an offense under Bevell that is much more aggressive in the passing game and that definitely suits the gunslinger mentality Stafford’s always had.
Detroit’s had at least one 100-yard receiver in all five of their games, and it’s come from four different players – Kenny Golladay (2), Marvin Jones, Jr., Danny Amendola and T.J. Hockenson.
The Vikings torched the Eagles for 300-plus passing yards and four touchdowns from Kirk Cousins. The Lions will counter with a strong cast of players in the secondary. What matchups do you have your eye on when Minnesota looks to throw?
TT: Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are one of the best receiving duos in the NFL, in my opinion, and they put a lot of pressure on a defense.
Obviously, whoever Darius Slay lines up across from will be a good matchup to watch. Slay’s been to the Pro Bowl the past two years and is one of the best cover corners in the league.
The biggest addition to Detroit’s secondary has been Justin Coleman, who came over from Seattle as a free agent. This will be Minnesota’s first matchup with him since he’s come over.
He’s currently Pro Football Focus’ fourth-highest-graded cornerback. He plays a lot inside and will see Diggs or Thielen if they line up in the slot. Opposing quarterbacks are completing just 55 percent of their passes on Coleman this year. He’s fourth in the league with 10 passes defended in five games and also has an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery to his credits. He’s been Detroit’s best player on defense so far this year.
Detroit will probably get safety Quandre Diggs back for this game, which will be big for them in the backend of their defense. He missed the Packers game with a hamstring injury.