Quote:that will be interesting. Didnt Ansah look pretty good last year? How's the lions defense been? Any key injuries for week 3?
Ziggy Ansah led all NFL rookies with 8 sacks. However, Ansah was better overall vs. the run. His instincts were impressive for someone with no football background until 2010. Injuries limited Ansah to 14 games. The key for 2014 in addition to staying relatively healthy from this point forward is overcoming not practicing all off-season and the first 2 + weeks of training camp. Sky is the limit for Ansah long term if he stays relatively healthy. His work ethic is a major plus as well.
Thankfully, there currently are no key injuries. Other than Ansah and rookie WR T.J Jones being on the PUP list ( Jones is still on the PUP ) list, the Lions have been remarkably healthy through this point of the summer. Veteran players such as Calvin Johnson, Dominic Raiola, and Rob Sims have been kept out of some practices. Calvin Johnson was kept out of the team's scrimmage and the first two pre-season games. He's practicing well but Jim Caldwell wants to keep him fresh. Megatron had knee and finger surgeries back in January.
The major issue on the Lions Defense is DT Nick Fairley's inability to keep his weight under control. Fairley is one of very few players who has ever gained weight in the first two weeks of training camp. Caldwell isn't going to look the other way regarding Fairley's weight and uninspired practice and game performances. Fairley was on the 2nd team all week and last night in Oakland, as former Jag C.J. Mosley has outworked and outplayed Fairley. In Oakland, Fairley played with more energy but his effectiveness was not remotely close to someone of his ability. This will likely be Fairley's last season in Detroit. At the very least, it's almost impossible picturing the Lions giving him a multi-year contract. As for Mosley, I believe he's a better fit as a # 3 DT. If Fairley doesn't get his act together, the Lions are in serious trouble in 2014.
The Lions Defense overall has been above average, though the primary issue is generating enough of a pass rush without blitzing. In Oakland, the Lions blitzed LB's Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy early and often up the middle. That caused considerable pressure on Matt Schaub. Overall, there were probably more LB blitzes last night than in at least one entire regular season when Jim Schwartz was Head Coach. New Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin was the Ravens DB Coach. The aggressive blitzing strategy of the Ravens is going to be a major part of the Lions Defense, even though the team remains a base 4-3 Defense. When Gus Bradley and his Offensive Coaches look at the Lions-Raiders game film, a primary focus is going to be blitz protection and ways to counter act it if Austin remains aggressive. Screens, draws, and traps likely will be a major part of the Jaguars plan to keep their QB's in piece and their attempt for Offensive Success. Tulloch had a great all around game and was the best Lions defender on the field in Oakland from my point of view.
As long as Ndamukong Suh is in the game, I expect the Jaguars to double team him often. Especially as it relates to their problems at Center and having a terrific QB prospect in Blake Bortles.
