Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Preview, Prediction, TV Info and more
By Matt Shetler
Keys for Steelers:
Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) walks onto the field prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
1. Contain Stafford-MegaTron: This won’t be an easy task for the Steelers defense. Much of the credit for the Lions’ success goes to Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. The quarterback is fourth in the NFL in TD passes (19) and yards (2,836) while Johnson is first in receiving yards per game (113.0) and tied for second in touchdown receptions with nine.
The last time the two teams met, Johnson had only a two-yard reception before leaving with a right knee injury. That won’t be the case this week as the Steelers secondary will have their hands full.
2. Block Fairley and Suh: Guy Whimper could be filling in at left guard for Ramon Foster, but no matter who lines up on the Steelers offensive line, they are going to have to do the job on the Lions pair of young defensive tackles.
Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley and have been a big part of the Lions holding its last three opponents to a combined 157 yards running and 2.5 per attempt. The more their names get called on Sunday, the longer day it will be for the Steelers offense.
3. Have Success Running the Ball: The Steelers have shown signs of improvement with a running game that has topped 100 yards in three of their last four games. But they still own the league’s sixth-worst rushing attack at 80.6 yards per game.
Rookie Le’Veon Bell has found the end zone four times on the season, but is still only averaging 3.3 yards per carry. It won’t be easy against a good Detroit front, but the Steelers have to find a way to establish a productive running attack.