Time For The Purr To Become a ROAR

By Mark Halpern

The new-look Detroit Lions take the field this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Why do I call the lions a new look? Well, it is because they have a new DEN leader in Jared Goff. Goff is coming over in the trade for Stafford earlier in the off-season and is bringing the swagger and leadership he provided in Los Angeles. Geoff is starting over in his career, and not a wrong time. He is in his prime, but as he looks to the left and right from underneath center, he no longer has the offense of weapons he had with the Rams—this is an actual test for any veteran quarterback.

We know Goff leads the Lions offense, but the offseason saw free agency pick away at an excellent wide receiver core. Marvin Jones Jr left to be the number one receiver in Jacksonville, and Kenny Golladay went to the New York Giants {; the world is still asking why}. The wide receivers are now led by Tyrell Williams, Kalif Raymond, and Quintez Cephus, who earned his spot by having a great preseason. It is a very young core, and I think Geoff will have a hard time, especially against the San Francisco Secondary. Deandre Swift returns as the lead running back. Swift had a promising rookie season and is looking to build off that. He has been dealing with a groin injury from the beginning of training camp and only has been practicing for a week or two. They will need him very healthy as most teams will stack the box until Goff’s wide receivers prove they are a real threat. The offensive line has good depth and better be ready cause they will be busier than a plunger in a toilet factory. Lead by center Frank Ragnow and Penei Swell, this line has the experience, but will they hold up. Also, returning from a good rookie year is tight end T.J Hockenson. He can block and is an excellent route runner and target for Geoff. Geoff had an outstanding reputation with his tight ends with the Rams, so Hockenson could have a terrific year even if the team is lackluster.

The Lion’s defense will be very busy as they are always considered the underdogs in the NFL. Trey Flowers will lead the Lions as the middle linebacker. Flowers is a good veteran and knows this defense must step up this season to give the offense a chance of winning games. On the defensive line, Michael Brockers looks to have a good year. He is very healthy and robust. The Leading man in the secondary is Jeff Okudah, who returns to run the secondary. He had one interception last year, but good coverage will make it, so the ball isn’t thrown his way. He can run with the best of them, and he will have his hands complete with trying to cover rookie standout Brandon Aiyuk.

The defense has a tough job in the first game, with the San Francisco offense capable of running and passing and is in no way short of stars. Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are two young and talented wide receivers, and they have veteran leadership now, with Mohamed Sanu Jr joined the team in the off-season. The running game has always been a feature in this storied organization and is led by Raheem Mostert, rookie Trey Sermon, and the ever-dangerous tight-end George Kittle. Now you wonder why I haven’t mentioned the Quarterback because there hasn’t been a leader yet decided. Jimmy Garoppolo will get the start but, Trey Lance might get some playing time as well. This position was the focus, and it is right to start your veteran, but I don’t think they are 100% committed to Garoppolo, and we shall see.

This is a rough way for the Lions to have to start the season but, they need to come out and prove they can stop defenses and that their offense can put points up. I do not foresee a win for Detroit as I expect the 4ers to win 35-10.