Chiefs vs. Lions: Eight things every fan should know
The Lions are a run-first team
Over the first three games, it is clear the Lions want to establish the run. Over the first three contests they’ve ran at a rate of 57 percent. Unfortunately for the Lions and their running backs, either the backs themselves or the offensive line are not doing a great job at their responsibilities as they are only averaging a meager 3.4 yards per carry.
Regardless, fans should expect this trend to continue. Why? Because Matt Patricia is an old school defensive minded coach cut from the cloth of Bill Belichick. He’s a coach that predicates the game plan on the defense and one of the most effective ways to support your defense is to establish the run and control the clock.
The Chiefs defense needs to be prepared for this. They haven’t looked stellar against the run yet this season, allowing 6.2 yards per carry. Mahomes and the offense have bailed them out in most cases, forcing opponents to abandon the run, but this defense has to be better on Sunday.
Stafford spreads the ball around the field
That said, the Lions are actually a pretty effective passing team this season. Through three games they rank 11th in yards per passing attempt at 7.5 yards and eighth in yards per completion at 12 yards. What’s more, so far Stafford has done a great job spreading the ball around to his different weapons.
The four primary targets for Stafford so far this season have been Marvin Jones with five receptions and 67 yards per game, Kenny Golladay with five receptions and 59 yards per game, Danny Amendola with four receptions and 47 yards per game, and tight end T.J. Hockenson with three receptions and 46 yards per game. In fact, all four of them have recorded a 100-yard receiving game this season.
While they had a pretty good game against the Baltimore Ravens, the Chiefs secondary hasn’t faced a team with multiple dynamic receiving threats yet. This game will arguably be the toughest test yet, and should help Veach and company decide whether there is a need to push forward with trading for a corner or whether the team will be fine with the return of Morris Claiborne.
The Lions haven’t allowed a ton of pressure
Earlier, I eluded to the fact that throughout Stafford’s career in Detroit he’s been absolutely pummeled behind the line of scrimmage. Most fans of the Chiefs understand the effect of quarterback hits and how they affect an offense’s game plan. No quarterback can perform to their fullest potential under the pressure Stafford has faced in his career.
It looks like 2019 might be a different year for Stafford. Through three games his offensive line has only allowed Stafford to be sacked three times. If they keep that trend going Stafford would likely be sacked the least in 2019 of his entire career, excluding 2010 where he only played in three games.
The defensive pass rush will have its work cutout for it on Sunday against a solid offensive line. Frank Clark says that sacks come in bunches, and with his first sack of the year coming last Sunday against the Ravens fans are hoping he’s right.