Steelers Scouting Report: What to expect from the Detroit Lions
After a very close win on Monday night, Pittsburgh Steelers fans get yet another game this week. This time they will host another NFC North opponent, the Detroit Lions.
The Lions have been victims of multiple short losses this year and are still sitting at a winless record, looking to give their fans something to cheer about.
On the Steelers end, a win will keep them towards the top of the AFC North. With that all in mind, let’s take a closer look at this weekend’s opponent.
Injury Report
While the Lions haven’t suffered a ton of injuries this season, they still have some to take a look at. On offense, they will be without center Frank Ragnow (toe) and wide receiver Quintez Cephus (collarbone) who were placed on the Injured Reserve list. Running back Jamaal Williams is listed as questionable with a thigh injury and missed Thursday’s practice. Kicker Austin Seibert is questionable with a hip injury but was able to practice in limited fashion on Thursday.
Defensively, the Lions will be without cornerbacks Jeff Okudah (Achilles), Ifeatu Melifonwu (thigh), and Corey Ballentine (hamstring), along with linebacker Romeo Okwara (Achilles) as they were all placed on the IR.
Detroit Lost the Quarterback Swap
This season marked the ending of the Matthew Stafford era for the Detroit Lions. They traded their franchise quarterback to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff. Unfortunately, they have been on the losing end of that deal as Stafford is on a Super Bowl contender and is making his case as an MVP candidate.
Meanwhile, Goff has struggled in Detroit. He has thrown for 1,995 yards with eight touchdowns and six interceptions. His top target so far has been the dangerous tight end, T.J. Hockenson who has 48 catches for 448 yards and two touchdowns. Hockenson will be joined in the passing attack by rookie receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and slot receiver Kalif Raymond, along with Geronimo Allison.
He will be facing a Steelers secondary that is 15th in the league against the pass. They have allowed 244.5 passing yards per game and eleven passing touchdowns while only coming away with two interceptions.
The biggest threat for Goff to worry about is the dangerous Pittsburgh pass rush led by T.J. Watt who has 11.5 sacks on the season. It will be interesting to see how first round pick, right tackle Penei Sewell handles Watt when they are lined up against each other.
The strength of this Lions offense is on the ground. They have a solid duo in the backfield in D’Andre Swift and former Green Bay Packer, Jamaal Williams. Swift is the lead back in Detroit as he has 90 carries for 289 yards and three touchdowns. He is also a huge threat in the passing game as he is the team’s second leading receiver.
Williams is more of the between the tackles back with 71 carries for 312 yards and two touchdowns.
They will be facing a Pittsburgh front seven that has had their ups and downs against the run. The Steelers currently rank 15th in run defense, allowing 109.8 rushing yards per game but have only allowed two rushing touchdowns on the season.
They have gotten a very strong season out of veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward but he has to get some help as he can’t do it all.
Lions’ defense has continuously struggled
The Detroit Lions have never been known for being a defensive football team and that continues to be the case this year. They currently rank 25th in the league in total defense, allowing 378.9 total yards per game and 30.5 points per game.
If you had to pick a strength for their defense, it would be against the pass. The Lions are 14th in the NFL in passing defense, allowing 244.4 yards per game and 15 passing touchdowns while coming away with four interceptions. However, their depth is extremely slim in the secondary as you could see in the injury report. Jerry Jacobs and Amani Oruwariye will start at corner with Tracy Walker III and Will Harris at the safeties.
This group will face a Steelers passing attack that has struggled for the most part this season. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has started to improved off a horrible start to the season but is going to be shorthanded this week. The Steelers are already without receiver Juju Smith-Schuster for the season but also look to likely be without Chase Claypool this weekend.
With that in mind, wide receiver James Washington should see more action and will look to earn himself some more playing time.
While they have been respectable against the pass, Detroit has been horrible at stopping the run. They are currently 29th in the league in run defense, allowing 136.6 rushing yards per game and ten rushing touchdowns on the season.
Their front seven has been led this season by inside linebacker Alex Anzalone who has a team high 48 tackles. He will be joined in the linebacker core by Jalen Reeves-Maybin on the inside with Trey Flowers and Charles Harris on the outside. Julian Okwara will also be in the outside linebacker rotation.
In front of them, the defensive line will consist of Alim McNeil at nose with Michael Brockers at tackle and Nick Williams at end. Levi Onwuzurike should also see some time at end.
This week, they will be facing a rising star in rookie running back Najee Harris. He has been rolling here lately with 150 carries for 541 yards and four touchdowns on the season. This can also be credited to the improvement of their young offensive line.
Final Thoughts
To some people, this game could be seen as a “trap game” for the Steelers. They are on a short week facing a Detroit team that is desperate for a win. The Steelers also seem to have a tendency to play down to their competition at times.
However, I don’t see that happening on Sunday. The Lions simply don’t have enough firepower on either side of the ball. Goff is a mediocre quarterback and will struggle to get anything going against this defense.
On the other side of the ball, it should be a chance for the Steelers to get things rolling. I expect a huge game for Roethlisberger against a bad Lions secondary. I also think James Washington will thrive when given more chances. Najee should have a field day as well against their front seven. At the end of the day, the talent gap will show and the Steelers will win this one 31-10.
