Detroit Lions: 3 Bold predictions for Week 7 vs. Falcons

1. Defense regresses and surrenders over 400 yards

Matt Patricia was supposed to be the defensive genius. Patricia was supposed to be the rocket scientist genius that took the Detroit Lions to a division title. So far, he’s failed.

The persistence of playing Cover 1 defense, rushing three and staying in man coverage all of the time has left Lions confused and unimpressive. The head coach champions defenses that are multiple but, in reality, it is anything but multiple for Detroit. The Lions stick religiously to their plan and let experienced quarterbacks with good receivers destroy them.

Strangely, that all changed last week. As the Lions mixed in a lot more zone coverage, they played some Cover 3 and rushed four a lot more. The coaching staff repeatedly say that the best way to create a pass rush is to stop the run and the defense shone last week. With rookie John Penisini having a strong game at nose tackle, the Lions bottled up the run and, in turn, could force some pressure on the passer.

Lions fans have been here before, though. They have seen these great performances backed up by a complete no show. The Lions camp’s talk was that it was a bit more specific to Jacksonville than anything drastically different. It will be a tough matchup for the Lions. In Todd Gurley, the Falcons have a dynamic back who is still incredibly talented, and they have two outstanding receivers.

Given the lack of speed in the Detroit secondary and most of the linebackers can’t cover, Detroit will have to engineer a pass rush and contain Gurley. Given the Lions’ inability to rush the passer and the fact that I expect to see them in four-man fronts means Gurley should have a good day. If he does, the Detroit Lions defense is in trouble.