Everything Chargers Fans Need to Know About Detroit Lions Ahead of Sunday's Matchup
The Los Angeles Chargers are taking on the Detroit Lions on Sunday in a huge matchup, so we thought it would be good to connect with our friends over at AllLions.com to get the inside scoop on Detroit.
Thanks to Christian Booher from AllLions.com for the insight:
1. NFL fans aren't used to seeing the Lions among the NFL's elite. They have one of the best records in football, but do you think they're as good as their record states?
They’ve had their slip ups, but in large the Lions have been every bit as good as their 6-2 record states. The defense has been the big surprise, going from one of the league’s worst against the run to one of the best. How that unit fares over the final nine games will be the biggest factor in whether or not they’re in the running for the NFC’s top seed.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs has been electric with David Montgomery out, but Monty seems to be on track to return. So which running back should Charger fans be more worried about this weekend and why?
If Montgomery is in full health, which he looks to be based on recent comments from Dan Campbell, then he’ll be the workhorse. However, Gibbs’ diverse skill set is difficult to prepare for. Both are dynamic talents, but Gibbs’ ability to make plays in both the pass and run game makes him tough to stop.
Also, don’t be surprised to see both backs playing together. Gibbs has earned more touches in recent weeks, so expect the Lions to try to utilize both players together in what will be some unique looks.
3. The Lions have one of the better defenses in football, but what's the biggest weakness the Chargers should look to exploit?
There are still question marks in the secondary, so L.A.’s deep receiving corps could cause some problems. Jerry Jacobs has been solid as of late, but a poor showing against Seattle in Week 2 shows that teams can get to Detroit’s defense through the air.
It was surprising to see the Lions not add a player to their defense at the trade deadline. The Chargers, with Keenan Allen and company, present a tough test that should be telling about where the Lions’ defensive backs stand.
4. Jared Goff is having yet another strong campaign in Detroit. Do Lions' fans think they could win a Super Bowl with Goff at the helm?
Jared Goff has been exactly what the Lions have needed during their rebuild. He’s revived his career after struggling in 2021 and the organization has been consistent in their messaging about him being the team’s franchise quarterback.
As for the fans, I think they’re split on whether Goff can lead the team to a Super Bowl. He doesn’t have the exciting youth and potential, but his skill set fits Detroit’s scheme and personnel perfectly.
This final stretch of the regular season will tell the story. If he can avoid turnovers and lead the team to wins, he’ll likely receive a contract extension and pilot the team into the future. If he struggles, this offseason will leave Brad Holmes and company with a tough decision regarding his contract, which expires after next season.
5. The most important question, of course. Who's going to win on Sunday and will the Lions cover the three-point spread?
The Chargers’ receivers pose a big threat to Detroit’s secondary. However, the Lions have the advantage over the Chargers defense. With all the talent and Ben Johnson calling the plays, I think the Lions are able to pull away from L.A. in the later stages.
Gibbs and Montgomery pose mismatch opportunities, while Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown have been consistent and reliable targets. In the end, I predict the Lions use their advantages and leave SoFi Stadium with a 30-20 win Sunday.