Healthy, Rested Matthew Stafford and the Lions Welcome the Redskins

Written by Anthony Brown on Friday, 29 October 2010 13:56.

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is sacked by Albert Haynesworth #92, Brian Orakpo #98 and Andre Carter #99 of the Washington Redskins at Ford Field on September 27, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Redskins 19-14. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

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Zac Snyder of SideLionsReport.com was kind enough to give us an inside look at the Washington Redskins' next opponent, the Detroit Lions. The loss to the Lions last year sent the Redskins into a tailspin for the rest of the season. How does the contest shape up this year? Here's the view from Detroit.

Redskins Hog Heaven: What is your take on the Detroit Lions so far this season?

Side Lions Report: I wish they had a few more wins but they are what I thought they would be. The Lions have been competitive despite what their record might indicate. Injuries have been a big problem. Everybody knows about Matthew Stafford being out but the casual NFL fan might not realize that the Lions have played most of this season without their starting middle linebacker, DeAndre Levy. Both return this week so I am excited to see what the team can do at full strength.

RHH: Who is your offensive and defensive MVP so far?

SLR: Calvin Johnson has been more productive over the last three weeks and deserves the offensive MVP for the Lions so far. I was critical of him earlier in the season but I have to give him credit for doing his part to while Stafford was down.
Although he is just a rookie I will give Ndamukong Suh the nod for defensive MVP. He has been a do-everything defensive tackle so far. He is tackling at a good rate, leads the team in sacks, bats down passes, and commands double teams. I don't know what more he could have done over the first six games of his career.

RHH: What concerns you about this Redskins team?

SLR: Donovan McNabb. He torched the Lions the last time he faced them and I enter every game with a fear of the Lions secondary giving up big plays. So far they have exceeded my expectations but that isn't saying a whole lot because I was expecting next to nothing. The Lions have made a lot of quarterbacks look good over the years and McNabb is one of those guys that doesn't need a whole lot of help from the opposition. Hopefully the Lions can get some pressure with their front four and force Donovan into a few bad decisions.

RHH: Game Prediction?

SLR: The Lions exploit Washington's poor pass defense and score enough touchdowns instead of kicking field goals to win the game, 27-20.

The guys at Side Lions Report do a nice job covering Detroit's team. They describe what Mike Shanahan and Jim Haslett are doing with the 3-4 defense is worth a read. (See The "Hog's" Defense) Go take a look. We'll be here when you get back.

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