Although starting a season 0-2 has become somewhat familiar, this particular 0-2 is definitely different. The reason is it could so easily be 2-0. That's not just an opinion garnered by looking through Lions tinted eyes, it is borne out by the reality of the two games played. In both games the Lions had the ball with a chance to either win the game or send it into overtime but, before we get too carried away, they didn't take their chance (yes they got hosed by the call against the Bears but they still had chances after that they didn't take) and so find themselves 0-2 rather than 2-0.
The divisional opponents we face today have also started the season 0-2 and in contrast to the Lions that does not have a familiar feel to it. Last seasons NFC Championship finalists have struggled to get out of the starting blocks this season and Brett Favre has looked like this was the year he should have finally retired for good. So the question on every ones lips is "Who will start the season 0-3? Lions or Vikings?" Actually, that's not strictly true, the question most pundits are asking seems to be "Will the Vikings get their first win of the season at home to the Lions?" The general answer seems to be yes and I, regrettably, have to agree.
The 2010 Detroit Lions are definitely better than recent editions, they are fighters and will battle for the full 60 minutes. The pre-season predictions generally fell between 3 and 6 wins this season and from the evidence of the first two games that looks about right. After losing franchise QB Matthew Stafford at halftime of the first game the Lions offense bounced back reasonably well last week behind backup QB Shaun Hill. When the Lions acquired their various star offensive players we all assumed it would be impossible for opposing defenses to stop us as we invited them to "Pick your poison". Last week the Eagles chose rookie running back Jahvid Best and 2nd year TE Brandon Pettigrew as their poison and got torched for over 300 yards in total offense by the pair. The Vikings defense is better than the Eagles though and for the Lions to be productive against them Linehans game plan needs to find a way of exploiting the mismatches where they occur and Hill needs to be able to have the time and vision to execute the gameplan.
After last weeks predicted break out star performer earned himself a spell out by getting himself concussed making a monster Special Teams tackle and following on from the first weeks predicted break out star finding himself on injured reserve for the year I have decided not to make any predictions on player performance this week (cue large sighs of relief throughout Lion land). The return of DeAndre Levy should see some improvement and his return will hopefully spark a performance out of Julian Peterson who has been disappointing so far this season. In a team that will be prone to mistakes due to inexperience there is little room for veterans (especially highly paid ones) who seem to be regularly blowing assignments and tackles. The D-Line remains the saving grace of the defense and will face it's sternest test to date against the Vikings formidable O-Line. If they can find their way to Favre early on there is every chance that Favre's nightmare start to the season will continue.
The Lions Special Teams remain solid if not spectacular and will face a stern test against the Vikings returners. Jason Hanson kicks well indoors and if asked to kick a Field Goal from 50-yards in should make it. Logan is showing some nice consistency too as a returner and it'd be nice to see him break a big one against the Vikings.
I really hope I'm wrong about this game but I feel we'll be coming out of it less closer than we are going in to it.
Prediction: LIONS 17 Vikings 38
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