Detroit Lions Facing a Real Test in Philadelphia
The Detroit Lions go into this week with a very different vibe than they had seven days ago. A week after sleepwalking through a sloppy loss to the Minnesota Vikings at home, Detroit walked into Washington and punched the Washington Commanders right in the mouth. It was physical, it was controlled, and it looked a lot more like the version of this team that believes it belongs at the very top of the NFL. Now comes the real measuring stick: a Sunday showdown on the road with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dan Campbell, Playcalling, and an Offense That Finally Looked Like It Meant It
The biggest story out of Washington was not just that the Lions won, it was how they did it. Dan Campbell took over offensive play calling and the difference was obvious. There was no easing into the game, no waiting until the fourth quarter to hit the gas. Detroit went for two early after a penalty on the extra point, turned a routine kick into a statement, and immediately changed the math for the Commanders. That is Campbell in a nutshell – aggressive, intentional, and unapologetic.
For Jared Goff, it looked like a weight came off his shoulders. Protection was not perfect, but it was worlds better than what we saw against the Vikings. The offensive line, hammered all week for the Minnesota performance, responded with a tone setting effort. Penei Sewell mauled people, Taylor Decker was downfield hunting on screens and runs, and Christian Mahogany’s absence was softened by strong work from Kayode Awosika and Tate Ratledge inside.
This is what the Lions need if they are going to survive a front that includes Jalen Carter, Hassan Reddick and the rest of the Eagles’ pass rush. Campbell and Goff will have to marry protection, timing and aggression to keep the offense out of third and forever and avoid the screen heavy panic we saw two weeks ago.
From Washington to Philadelphia: Kelvin Shepherd’s Defense and the Next Step
It was easy to forget in the frustration after the Minnesota loss that this defense had been playing at a high level for most of the year. In Washington, Kelvin Shepherd reminded everyone why he got the job. The Lions mixed pressures, disguised coverages and tackled well in space. The Commanders never found a rhythm. Detroit never let them breathe.
That formula has to travel. The Philadelphia Eagles still have one of the most talented offensive cores in the NFL. Jalen Hurts can extend plays, AJ Brown can take over drives, and DeVonta Smith can hurt you in the blink of an eye. The Lions do not have to shut them out, but they do have to keep Hurts in the pocket, limit the explosives, and make Philadelphia earn every yard.
So are the Detroit Lions true contenders or just a tough out. This week will not decide the season, but it will tell us how close they really are. Beat the Eagles in their building and the conversation changes from “nice story” to “NFC favorite.” Lose, and it is another lesson in what it takes to get where they want to go. Either way, Sunday in Philadelphia is exactly what this team has been building toward: a real test, on a real stage, with everything still in front of them.
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