Tag: Jeff Driskel

David Blough getting 1st team reps at QB for the Lions

Both Matthew Stafford and Jeff Driskel are saddled with injuries, leaving Blough as the next man up

With the Thanksgiving matchup against the Chicago Bears just two days away, the Detroit Lions quarterback situation remains up in the air. With Matthew Stafford almost certainly ruled out with his broken backbones and backup Jeff Driskel slowed with a hamstring injury, David Blough could be the man under center on Thursday.

Blough took reps with the first-team offense for the first time in Tuesday’s practice, the last full team session on the short week. If Driskel’s hamstring doesn’t improve, the undrafted rookie from Purdue will get his first career action as a starter on national television.

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Blough came to Detroit via a trade with the Cleveland Browns at the roster cutdown deadline, in part because he played well against the Lions in the preseason matchup between the two teams.

 

Lions Week 13 injury report: Frank Ragnow, Trey Flowers progressing through concussion protocol

Detroit Lions Week 13 injury report sees linemen Frank Ragnow and Trey Flowers progressing through concussion protocols.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) are hosting the Chicago Bears (5-6) for a Week 13 Thanksgiving day matchup at Ford Field.

The Lions did not hold a practice on Monday, so yesterday’s injury report was a estimations only. Today, the Lions only slightly increased their practice level, holding a walkthrough.

With the Lions eliminating the physical aspect of the first two practices of the week, they are allowing their players to rest up and heal, but at the same time, it limits the full understanding of player’s abilities to overcome their injuries.

Keeping in mind that things could change between now and tomorrow’s report, let’s take a look at where things stand on Tuesday.

Missed practice

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
WR Marvin Hall (foot)
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Maniacal efforts or not, Stafford doesn’t look like he is going to play this week.

Melvin, Agnew, and Hall being ruled out for a practice that was only a walkthrough is not a good sign for their status on Thursday.

If Melvin is unable to play it could mean more time for Amani Oruwariye at corner, while Agnew missing time means more Ty Johnson on kick returns. Hall would normally take over on punt return duties, but if he is also out, it likely means Danny Amendola will be back on punt return duties. Additionally, Hall’s absence may mean the Lions could be looking for a fourth wide receiver and that may mean the promotion of a practice squad player like Chris Lacy or Travis Fulgham.

Limited

QB Jeff Driskel (hamstring)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion) — upgraded
TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Driskel is still very sore but improving according to Patricia. Most expect him to play on Thursday, including Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano:

Flowers was upgraded on the injury report but is confirmed to still be in the NFL’s concussion protocol by coach Matt Patricia at his afternoon press conference. It’s unclear which stage he is currently at, but based on this designation he may be in the final stages. His status for Thursday is still very much an unknown but a full padded practice tomorrow would go a long way.

Hand and Walker have now had two practices where they were expected to be active (but limited) participants. This is a positive step in the right direction.

Hockenson is still dealing with a shoulder injury that popped up Saturday night but he managed to play last Sunday and expectations are he will see the field again on Thursday.

Harrison and Martin have been talking rest days for some time now, this isn’t overly concerning at this time.

Practiced in full

C Frank Ragnow (concussion) — upgraded
OL Kenny Wiggins (knee)

Ragnow is also still in concussion protocol, and with no contact during today’s practice, he likely was unable to pass the last few requirements. He will have a chance to do that tomorrow, which should help him continue moving through the process.

Wiggins was an expected full participant again, meaning the Lions are optimistic he will be available to play.

The Silver (and Blue) Lining: 3 positive takeaways from the Lions loss at Washington

This week’s Silver Lining identifies 3 positive takeaways from the Detroit Lions Week 12 loss, including Bo Scarbrough’s continued success, improved run defense, and the Lions trio of wide receivers reliability.

The Detroit Lions took their (3-6-1) record into Landover, Maryland to take on the Washington Redskins and their lowly (1-9) record, in what should have been a fairly routine Lions victory — someone must have forgotten to explain that to the team.

Perhaps I am the jinx for the Lions, as the third installment of the Silver (and Blue) Lining follows a third straight Lions loss. In a game that the Lions only helped their draft position — they’re currently slotted to pick 7th overall — there were some positive takeaways for the team.

Bo Scarbrough is the real deal

The Lions are still playing with a running back by committee, however, the snaps for Scarbrough are starting to lean in his favor as he saw 51% of the offense plays. In just his second career game, which was also his second career start, Scarbrough finished the game with 98 yards on the ground with 18 carries — averaging 5.4 yards per attempt.

With Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic both healthy, we haven’t seen what Scarbrough can do in the passing game yet, and may not as McKissic has made us completely forget about Theo Riddick.

Scarbrough brings an angry, downfield running attack that the Lions, who have struggled to run the ball for the better part of 20 years, has been missing. Scarbrough won’t outrun or make a lot of defenders miss him, but he will run through them — as he’s proved in each of his two career games.

As the Lions have completely fallen out of the playoff picture, the newly anointed starting running back should continue to see more playing time and get more reps under his belt.

Defense against the run is coming together

Over the years, the Lions defense has been used to getting gashed by future Hall of Fame running back, Adrian Peterson. This season was a different story, as the Redskins running backs were held to just 86 yards collectively for the game. The Lions mustered three sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery, not to mention they were missing Trey Flowers.

The Lions have yet to show a solid defensive effort on all levels, but with Damon Harrison and Mike Daniels holding the middle of the line in the last two games, they have shown that they can hold the rushing yards to a minimum.

Receiving trio causing problems for defenses

It is sort of a pick your poison when it comes to the Lions receiving corps — namely their top three options.

Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, and Danny Amendola have all been the game leaders for receptions and receiving yards at different points this season. While the stat lines for this particular game may not be flashy, the trio of receivers hauled in 12 of Driskel’s 20 completions and had 128 of his 207 passing yards — with the offensive line unable to give Driskel a clean pocket for most of the game.

  • Kenny Golladay — four receptions for 61 yards
  • Marvin Jones — five receptions for 46 yards
  • Danny Amendola — three receptions for 21 yards

Bears could face Lions third-string QB David Blough on Thanksgiving

Lions QB Jeff Driskel is dealing with a hamstring injury that could sideline him on a short week ahead of Thursday’s game against the Bears.

The last time the Chicago Bears faced the Detroit Lions, they caught a break in the form of Matthew Stafford’s back injury, which forced backup Jeff Driskel to the starting lineup.

The Bears might catch an even bigger break on Thursday if Driskel’s hamstring injury lingers.

Stafford did not practice and Driskel was limited Monday with a hamstring injury, which might force third-string quarterback David Blough to the forefront on Thanksgiving Day against the Bears.

Stafford is expected to miss Thursday’s game against the Bears as he continues to deal with tiny fractures in his back, which means Chicago will face a backup. The only question is which one?

The Bears will have to prepare for both Driskel and Blough come Thursday, and there’s a disadvantage when it comes to preparing for a quarterback you haven’t seen before in Blough.

Chicago faced Driskel three weeks ago in their first meeting this season, and Driskel was able to move the ball on the Bears’ defense at times. This time, if Chicago faces Driskel, they’ll know exactly what to expect, including how he utilizes his mobility to make plays on the field.

Given the short week ahead of this Thanksgiving Day matchup, it’s difficult to gauge whether it’ll be Driskel or Blough facing the Bears’ defense. Regardless, the Bears need to take advantage of a bad Lions team that’ll be going with a backup quarterback against them for the second time this season.

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Lions Week 13 estimated injury report: Jeff Driskel limited, Matthew Stafford still out

The Detroit Lions Week 13 estimated injury report includes quarterbacks Jeff Driskel as a limited participant and Matthew Stafford as out.

The Detroit Lions (3-7-1) are hosting the Chicago Bears (5-6) for a Week 13 Thanksgiving day matchup at Ford Field.

The Lions are required to produce three injury reports a week, and with a Thursday game on the schedule, that means they must declare injuries on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Because they are coming off a game yesterday, they did not actually practice on Monday, so today’s injury report is only estimated listings.

Reminder: all participation levels are all estimates

Would have missed practice

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
WR Marvin Hall (foot)
EDGE Trey Flowers (concussion)
CB Rashaan Melvin (ribs)
RET. Jamal Agnew (ankle)

Despite Stafford being maniacal in his efforts to return to the field, he is still not ready to practice, and on a short week, he is not expected to play.

Flowers still being listed as unable to practice due to a concussion is concerning for his potential to play on Thursday. He’ll need to get on the field tomorrow or he won’t be able to pass the league’s protocol this week.

Melvin and Agnew still unable to practice are concerning for their status for Thursday.

Hall was injured in yesterday’s game and was seen in the locker room in a walking boot and with crutches. Early expectations are he won’t be available for Thursday and the Lions will be on to their third punt returner — which has previously been veteran wide receiver Danny Amendola.

Upgraded to limited

QB Jeff Driskel (hamstring)
C Frank Ragnow (concussion)
TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Driskel played every snap yesterday but may have overworked his hamstring in the process. Coach Matt Patricia said at today’s press conference, Driskel “ran a lot” yesterday and is a bit “tight”. This could provide some light on why the Lions were inquiring about current XFL quarterback Josh Johnson, as they could use another fully healthy quarterback for practice and as insurance.

Ragnow being an estimated limited participant speaks to him moving through the league’s concussion protocol. He still has a few more steps to move through but is headed in the right direction.

Hockenson was added to last week’s injury report late Saturday night and in yesterday’s game, he appeared to be limited on the field, both in snaps and performance.

Harrison has been nursing a groin injury for some time now but being limited isn’t unusual for him at this point in the week.

Hand and Walker being estimated as limited is an upgrade from where they have been in recent weeks. If either is able to play this week, it would be a major upgrade on defense — both in performance and schematic versatility.

Martin, since injuring his abdomen, has been limited on the first practice following a game. While this isn’t unusual, a short week could be mildly concerning.

Projected as a full participant

Kenny Wiggins (knee)

Wiggins missed seven snaps in yesterday’s game and a knee injury appears to be the cause. The Lions listing him as a full participant is a strong indicator they aren’t overly concerned about it limiting him this week.

Lions week 12 snap counts: Oruwariye steps up in Melvin’s absence

The Detroit Lions had 11 rookies active on game day, and for the most part, they all played significant or scheme-specific roles on Sunday.

When examining the Detroit Lions (3-7-1) snap counts from Week 12, a few key things stood out. Of the 46 players active for the Lions in Washington, 11 of them were rookies, including Isaac Nauta, Austin Bryant, Beau Benzschawel, and Michael Jackson, all making their NFL debuts.

That and more takeaways from this week’s snap counts below:

Jeff Driskel continues snap streak

Jeff Driskel — 75, 100-percent

Despite Driskel’s playing style leading to him getting hit with frequency, he still manages to stay on the field for every snap.

Lions use 7 of 8 active offensive linemen

LT Taylor Decker — 75, 100-percent
LG Joe Dahl — 74, 99-percent
C Graham Glasgow — 75, 100-percent
RG Kenny Wiggins — 68, 91-percent
RT Tyrell Crosby — 75, 100-percent
OG Oday Aboushi — 8, 11-percent
OT Tyrell Crosby — 5, 7-percent
OL Beau Benzschawel — 0, 0-percent

The Lions have nine offensive linemen on their active roster. With Frank Ragnow out due to a concussion, that left them with eight healthy — all of which were active on Sunday. Typically the Lions only deploy seven offensive linemen on game days and that held true again yesterday, with Benzschawel still waiting to see his first NFL snaps.

Scarbrough leads the backfield again

Bo Scarbrough — 38, 51-percent
Ty Johnson — 27, 36-percent
J.D. McKissic — 11, 15-percent

Scarbrough was once again one of the bright spots in the Lions offense and the Lions leaned on him for the second week in a row. Behind him, Johnson and McKissic flipped roles from last week, with the game plan calling for more of a ground presence.

WR snaps have been consistent

Kenny Golladay — 68, 91-percent
Marvin Jones Jr. — 67, 89-percent
Danny Amendola — 46, 61-percent
Marvin Hall — 10, 13-percent

This snap count distribution has been fairly close to what the Lions have deployed since Driskel took over at quarterback. The only difference being Hall’s snap counts declined a bit after he left the game early with a lower leg injury.

Hockenson see lowest snap counts of the season

T.J. Hockenson — 33, 44-percent
Jesse James — 32, 43-percent
Logan Thomas — 28, 37-percent
Isaac Nauta — 10, 13-percent

Most young quarterbacks rely on tight ends as safety valves, but that has not been the case with Driskel. That may not be the primary reason the tight ends snaps counts dropped this week, — Hockenson was added to the injury report late Saturday — but it was likely a factor.

Nauta, who was just promoted to the active roster on Saturday, saw several snaps out of the backfield filling in for injured fullback Nick Bawden.

Interior DL snaps

A’Shawn Robinson — 43, 72-percent
Damon Harrison — 38, 63-percent
John Atkins — 25, 42-percent
Mike Daniels — 9, 15-percent

These snaps counts are very similar to what we saw from this group last week, which begs the question — why isn’t Daniels seeing the field more?

EDGE players see a big bump in snaps

Romeo Okwara — 56, 93-percent
Devon Kennard — 55, 92-percent
Austin Bryant — 16, 27-percent

Last season, Okwara routinely had multiple games where he received over 90-percent of snaps, but his numbers declined with the addition of Trey Flowers. With Flowers missing this week with a concussion, Okwara was back over 90-percent once again.

Bryant began the game only seeing the field on third downs but saw his snaps increase in obvious passing situations.

Linebackers dip in snaps

Jarrad Davis — 51, 85-percent
Christian Jones — 30, 50-percent
Jahlani Tavai — 29, 48-percent
Miles Killebrew — 16, 27-percent

All three primarily off-the-ball linebackers saw a slight dip in snaps. This is only the fourth game this season where Davis saw less than 90-percent of snaps, Tavai saw his snaps drop after a month in the 60th percentile, while Jones saw his lowest snap counts of the season.

Like Bryant in the last section, Killebrew saw the field on third downs and obvious passing situations as the game wore on.

Oruwariye steps up in Melvin’s absence

Darius Slay — 60, 100-percent
Justin Coleman — 60, 100-percent
Amani Oruwariye — 45, 75-percent

Last week, Oruwariye took over for Mike Ford in the fourth cornerback spot, and this week with Rashaan Melvin unable to play due to injury, Oruwariye was once again promoted into a more prominent role.

Oruwariye flashed the skill level he showed off in training camp and secured his first career interception:

Safety use was clear and defined

Tavon Wilson — 60, 100-percent
Will Harris — 60, 100-percent
C.J. Moore — 7, 12-percent

With no Tracy Walker, the Lions leaned heavily on Wilson and Harris, only turning to Moore when they went into three safety sets.

Special teams

Miles Killebrew — 26
Dee Virgin — 26
Mike Ford — 23
Steve Longa — 21
Jalen Reeves-Maybin — 21
Isaac Nauta — 21
C.J. Moore — 20
Ty Johnson — 17
Logan Thomas — 15
Jesse James — 11
Amani Oruwariye — 11
Will Harris — 10
Christian Jones — 9
J.D. McKissic — 6
Jarrad Davis — 5
Tavon  Wilson — 4
Justin Coleman — 4
Marvin Hall — 3
Danny Amendola — 3
Michael Jackson — 2

With no Jamal Agnew available, the Lions turned to Ty Johnson on kick returns and Marvin Hall on punt returns, but when Hall went down, the team needed veteran Danny Amendola to field the final three punts.

Michael Jackson saw his first-ever NFL snaps yesterday, getting two looks on special teams.

Quinton Dunbar’s late-game interception acted as an ironic blast from the past

Dunbar’s go-ahead interception of Jeff Driskel acted as a reunion between a QB-WR duo that found success in college.

With time winding down on Sunday, and Jeff Driskel’s Detroit Lions needing a score to take the lead, an ironic blast from the past occurred.

On 3rd and 9 with 54 seconds left and the score tied at 16-16, Driskel dropped to pass and found one of his time-honored receivers — a player who he had connected with many times before.

Unfortunately for the Lions, that receiver was Quinton Dunbar, who plays cornerback for the Washington Redskins now.

Both Driskel and Dunbar played at the University of Florida from 2011-14, and Dunbar hauled in 111 catches as a receiver with the Gators. The interception brought back memories, one that worked out better for Dunbar, who has seen his career go more according to plan than that of Driskel’s. The Redskins turned Dunbar’s turnover into a go-ahead field goal, and Washington walked away with their second win of the season.

“It was years ago,” Dunbar said, via The Athletic. “Obviously, our careers didn’t pan out as we would have liked, but I’m just glad to see he’s in the league, and I’m in the league. That’s the most important thing.”

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Three takeaways from the Redskins 16-13 win over the Detroit Lions

The Redskins found a way to come back and beat the Lions on the back of Dwayne Haskins and some fellow rookies.

The Washington Redskins won a game. In 2019. Hold on, that might not be a crazy enough statement to describe what we just witnessed.

The Redskins held a lead, gave it up late, and then came back down the field thanks to a couple of budding rookie players and kicked a game-winning field goal, ending their nine-game home losing streak, picking up their second win of the year.

Many problems still surround the franchise as a whole, but if that win can’t put a smile on your face for a split second, then I can’t help you. Rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins showed a lot of poise and improvement, and fellow rookies Terry McLaurin, Kelvin Harmon, and Steven Sims put on a show on offense and special teams. When all is said and done it won’t matter much, but for now, it’s good enough for an afternoon of celebration. Here are our three biggest takeaways from the game.

A Rare and Inspiring Win for Washington

The Redskins took a lead early, then lost it late, but then they regained it in the final second. If you were to take a straw poll at halftime as to who would win the game, I think the result would show little confidence in Washington, but they managed to pull it out on the back of Haskins and an impressive defensive performance.

Washington held a 10-point lead at the half, and they scored 13 points in the first two quarters, which is their highest point total in the first half since putting up 20 points against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1. After relinquishing the lead late in the fourth quarter, back-to-back field goals from Dustin Hopkins gave Washington a three-point lead late, and the defense held on to win it.

When looking at the game from a broad scope, Haskins was decent, the offense was fine, and the defense was pretty good. The rookie quarterback finished the game with 156 yards and 0 touchdowns on 13-for-29 passing with 1 interception. Terry McLaurin and Kelvin Harmon were the top receivers in Washington, hauling in a combined 115 yards.

The Redskins snapped their nine-game home losing streak, and Haskins got the first win of his career. The draft stock took a hit, but fans got to celebrate for a day.

Steven Sims Needs to Touch the Ball More

It only took two plays, but in that small sample size, undrafted rookie Steven Sims proved that he is one of the most dynamic players that the Redskins have, and he needs to be given more of an opportunity to shine in Washington.

On the very first play of the game, a kick-return for the Redskins, Sims hauled in the kick and scampered upfield for a 33-yard return to near midfield. A couple of drives later, with the game tied at 3-3, Sim was back to receive again, and he made some magic happen. 

We’ve seen Sims’ ability a couple of times this season when the Redskins have tried to get him touches in the offense, but fans have always been left begging for more. It’s clear that the rookie has explosive speed and a knack for making things happen. With the season all but over, he needs to be getting more reps.

A Chance to Feel Happy

Obviously, there are still a lot of things to be upset about if you’re a fan of the Washington Redskins. You still have an inept owner, a general manager who can’t make two correct decisions in a row, and a team that can’t get out of their own way. But for a day at least, fans should take a second to feel happy.

The future of the Redskins showed itself of Sunday against the Lions, and it has a chance to be bright. Haskins didn’t put up eye-popping stats, but he did what needed to be done at the most critical times and got his team in a position to win the game. McLaurin ran all over the field and out-played Darius Slay, one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL, and Kelvin Harmon proved that he can be something special when given the chance.

In the end, it ended in a rather meaningless victory that won’t matter when all is said and done, but that doesn’t mean it can’t matter right now. Though the stands at FedEx Field were nearly empty, the seats that were fill got to witness a show. If some things are able to break in the right direction, there’s a chance the team can grow from this in the future.

Lions Week 12 comprehensive depth chart

A comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions depth chart as they prepare for Week 12 and a trip to Washington.

In this comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions roster, we will be examining not only the positional depth chart but also looking at who coaches will turn to in specific situations, including who will step up in case of injury.

Here’s a look at how the Lions roster sets up for their Week 12 matchup in Washington.

Note — you will see some players listed more than once as they have multiple roles.

Quarterback

Matthew Stafford (9) — Ruled OUT
Jeff Driskel (2) — Will get his third start as a Lion
David Blough (10)

Running back

Bo Scarbrough (43)
J.D. McKissic (41)
Ty Johnson (31)

Third down back

J.D. McKissic (41) — Change of pace
Jamal Agnew (39) — Gadget option

H-back/Fullback

Isaac Nauta (89) — Added to the active roster Saturday

Wide receiver

Kenny Golladay (19)
Marvin Jones Jr. (11)
Danny Amendola (80)
Marvin Hall (17)

Slot receiver

Danny Amendola (80) 
T.J. Hockenson (88)

Tight end

T.J. Hockenson (88)
Jesse James (83)
Logan Thomas (82)
Isaac Nauta (89)

Starting offensive line with Frank Ragnow ruled OUT

Taylor Decker (68) — LT
Joe Dahl (66) — LG
Graham Glasgow (60) — C
Kenny Wiggins (79) — RG
Rick Wagner (71) — RT — Not listed with an injury designation

Frank Ragnow (77) — C — Ruled OUT

Reserve offensive line

Tyrell Crosby (65) — LT, RT
Joe Dahl (66) — C
Oday Aboushi (76) — RG, LG
Beau Benzschawel (63) — Emergency IOL

Interior defensive line

Damon Harrison (98) — NT — Not listed with an injury designation
A’Shawn Robinson (91) — 3T
Da’Shawn Hand (93) — DDE, 3T, NT — Ruled OUT
Mike Daniels (96) — 3T
John Atkins (99) — NT

Defensive end

Trey Flowers (90) — DDE, 3T — Ruled OUT
Romeo Okwara (95) — DDE, JACK, 3T

Pass rushing linebacker

Devon Kennard (42) — JACK
Christian Jones (52) — SAM, JACK
Jahlani Tavai (51) — SAM, JACK

Off-the-ball linebacker

Jarrad David (40) — MIKE, WILL
Christian Jones (52) — WILL, MIKE
Jahlani Tavai (51) — MIKE, WILL
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) — MIKE, WILL
Miles Killebrew (35) — WILL, Hang Safety
Steve Longa (54) — MIKE, WILL

Cornerback

Darius Slay (23)
Justin Coleman (27)
Rashaan Melvin (29) — Questionable
Mike Ford (38)
Amani Oruwariye (24)
Jamal Agnew (39) — Ruled OUT
Dee Virgin (30)
Michael Jackson (28)

Slot cornerback

Justin Coleman (27)
Jamal Agnew (39)

Safety

Tracy Walker (21) — Ruled OUT
Will Harris (25)
Tavon Wilson (32)
C.J. Moore (49) — Not listed with an injury designation

Third-safety

C.J. Moore (49)
Miles Killebrew (35) — WILL, Hang Safety

Kicking team

Matt Prater (5) — placekicker
Sam Martin (6) — punter, kickoffs, holder — Not listed with an injury designation
Don Muhlbach (48) — long snapper

Kick returns

Jamal Agnew (39) — punt and kick returner — Ruled OUT
Marvin Hall (17) — reserve punt and kick returner
Danny Amendola (80) — reserve punt returner
Ty Johnson (31) — reserve kick returner
J.D. McKissic (41) — reserve kick returner

Kick coverage

C.J. Moore (49) — gunner
Dee Virgin (30) — gunner
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) — five-phase specialist
Steve Longa (54) — five-phase specialist

Teams final injury reports

Matthew Stafford ruled OUT

Lions’ injury designations — six players listed as OUT

Washington injury designations — Vernon Davis OUT, Daron Payne Doubtful

Lions Wire game prep articles/media

4 reasons why the Lions will beat Washington in Week 12

The Honolulu Blueprint: Keys to a Lions victory over Washington

Listen: Erik Schlitt on The Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast: Episode 129

Listen: Jeff Risdon joins Detroit Lions Podcast

Roster update: Rookie tight end Isaac Nauta promoted to the active roster

The Honolulu Blueprint: Keys to a Lions victory over Washington

The Honolulu Blueprint: Identifying several key strategies the Lions will need to do, in order to be victorious over Washington in Week 12.

The Detroit Lions (3-6-1) are banged up as they prepare to travel to Washington (1-9) in Week 12, and they’ll need to follow this week’s Honolulu Blueprint if they want to come away with a victory.

Let’s take a look at the key components the Lions need to take advantage of in Week 12.

Driskel needs to keep it simple, play to strengths

Matthew Stafford (back) will miss yet another game and that means the Lions will call on Driskel once again to step in and step up.

Driskel has played well the last two weeks, producing through the air and on the ground. He’s thrown for 478 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception, while his 88 rushing yards, and a score, have been very problematic for defenses.

No one will be mistaking Driskel for Stafford anytime soon, but he won’t need to be in this game. Driskel’s priorities should be to keep active feet, limit turnovers, and take what the defense is giving him.

Keep Bo Scarbrough rolling

From practice squader to starter in the 24-hours leading up to last week’s game, Scarbrough made the most of his opportunity with the Lions. He scored on only this third NFL touch:

At the end of the day, Scarbrough’s numbers may have appeared average, finishing the game with 14 carries for 55 yards (3.9 yards per carry average) and the above touchdown, but when you look closer, there were some impressive stats — specifically, yards after contact:

Per Pro Football Focus, Scarbrough is averaging an impressive 4.07 yards after contact.

Bottom line: don’t get caught up in the total yards rushing, it’s how he’s producing those yards that matter. He brings a huge missing piece to the Lions backfield and one that they need to keep working if they hope to find success on the ground.

Get creative with pressure

Washington’s rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins hasn’t quite acclimated to NFL pressure. The first-round pick was announced the starter less than three weeks ago, and his two games as a starter, he has thrown 57 passes and been sacked 10 times.

The Lions will be without their top two defensive line pressure creators in Trey Flowers (concussion) and Da’Shawn Hand (ankle). Because of this, coaches will need to get creative in how they scheme up pressure.

One of the most impactful ways they have found success doing this is by disguising where the pressure is coming from and bringing linebackers from non-traditional spots. With injuries upfront — and Tracy Walker (knee) also out — expect the Lions to deploy a lot of linebacker sets, which should afford them the opportunity to utilize these pressure schemes.

Shut down Haskins top option in McLaurin

Haskins and fellow rookie Terry McLaurin (3rd round pick) were a formidable duo at Ohio State a year ago and their chemistry has carried over to the NFL. On the season, McLaurin has 566 yards receiving, more than double the next receiving target on the team.

There’s little doubt McLaurin is Washington’s top receiving option, and when it’s this obvious, it’s almost a foregone conclusion he’s going to draw Darius Slay. If Slay can take away Washington’s top option, it could force Haskins into uncomfortable situations and that means opportunities for turnovers.

On the year, 79 passes, Haskins has thrown five picks. At the same time, the Lions have gone five weeks without an interception. This could be a prime opportunity to end the drought.

Overcome the loss of Agnew on special teams

Lions kick and punt returner Jamal Agnew will miss this game with an ankle injury and that means an opportunity for someone else to step up.

Last week after Agnew went down, Marvin “all I do is catch 40-yard passes” Hall filled in returning punts — there were no kick returns after Agnew left the game but the expectation is Hall or rookie Ty Johnson will line up there this week.

The Lions shouldn’t have a problem replacing Agnew’s 4.34 speed — Hall and Johnson can also each run sub 4.4 — but can they replace his production? Last year in Atlanta, Hall returned 26 kickoffs for a 23.7-yard average, roughly 3 yards less than Agnew. Johnson has never returned a kick in the NFL but he took two to the house against Michigan and Ohio State.

The Lions have the potential to overcome the loss of Agnew — which is more than can be said in years past — but they need to show it on the field.