Here are the week 5 questions about Detroit Lions vs New England Patriots. In Week 5 action, the Detroit Lions (1-3) will be traveling to New England to take on the New England Patriots (1-3), who will serve as a significant test for the Lions before their bye week. Before the game begins, we will do our best to address the following three pressing concerns:
Will Detroit’s Defense be Able to Turn Things Around?
It is the week’s buzz. The Lions might get some solid defensive footage against an offense with a third-string quarterback. Even with Mac Jones as a quarterback, the Patriots run the ball efficiently and often.
The Lions feel okay with stopping the classic run between the tackles. Rashaad Penny’s great game last week changed the stats. Detroit’s defense allows 5.6 yards per carrying.
New England’s running offense is DVOA’s most efficient, ranking first. Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson head the Patriots. The Patriots have not had a run of more than 18 yards in four games.
If the Lions can stop the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage, they can turn the tide. Coaching is stressful. Aaron Glenn, Lion’s defensive coordinator, said it is the job. “My job security isn’t a concern. I have been lucky to play and coach for many years.
I appreciate my work every day. Even though Dan and I are friends, this is a job. Everyone must perform, including me, him, and the players. When things go wrong, you must answer for it. I am not oblivious to that.
Who is the New England Patriots Starting Quarterback This Season?
Mac Jones’ ankle is sprained. Doubtful to play. Top backup quarterback Brian Hoyer has a concussion, leaving Bailey Zappe and Garrett Gilbert as alternatives. Zappe is anticipated to start after playing well in the Packers’ OT defeat last week.
Zappe completed 10 of 15 throws for 99 yards and a score despite being sacked three times. In 2021, he was Western Kentucky’s leading passer. Last season, Zappe threw 5,967 yards and 63 touchdowns.
Campbell and his staff watched Zappe in the Senior Bowl, so they know what to anticipate. Jonnu Smith is out for Zappe. Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Myers, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, plus Hunter Henry.
Zappa’s lack of pocket movement should help Detroit’s defense. Campbell remarked, “Smart.” He learned the offense fast, was collected, and commanded the huddle. He was well-liked. They listened to him, and he played similarly.
So, I think they did a wonderful job with him of just trying to get him comfortable with and being smart and not putting him in a bind. To run the football, do things to get the ball out, and then a little play-action.
But I thought coach (Matt) Patricia called a good game, getting them in there. If he is the guy, he will be happier. Newcomers cannot just walk in and start playing, so they will have a strategy for him. He has football intelligence (FBI) for sure.
Will Jamaal Williams, the Lions’ Running Back, Continue His Recent Success?
Jamaal Williams has kept Detroit’s top-ranked running offense moving without D’Andre Swift. Williams has 39 carries for 195 yards and four touchdowns. Through four games, he has six rushing touchdowns.
Williams has 133 yards after contact in two weeks, forcing five missed tackles. Last week, he ran 51 yards for a score and was stiff-armed. New England’s run defense has not been steady. They beat Najee Harris and the Steelers. It has been bad in three games.
They allow 5.1 yards per carrying, 29th in the NFL, and rank 31st in DVOA. Duce Staley, the team’s associate head coach and wide receivers coach, explained the stiff-arm drill.
To get extra yards after contact, it is important to have the ball in the right hand. Depending on which sideline you are on, he had the game in the right hand to employ his weapon, which was inside.