Detroit Lions: 3 X-factor players for Week 8 vs. Colts
By Tayyib Abu
2. Kenny Golladay, WR
Kenny Golladay had a superb day against the Falcons. The star wideout had six receptions for over 100 yards — and those six receptions all came on contested catches. After an injury kept him out of action in the first few weeks, Golladay has come back into the team and is getting better with every game. In a contract year, Golladay is playing at a very high level.
The Detroit Lions will need him at his best in Week 8 against Indy. With former Viking Xavier Rhodes having a bounce-back year, this Colts defense has had a strong start to the year. However, they have not come up against a wideout as good as Golladay.
The big-bodied fifth-year receiver is as good as anyone in his position in the league. He can line up on the outside or inside and run any route and grab the ball; he is also looking to be in sync with his quarterback.
Considering the fierce front seven the Colts have, running the ball may not be an option for the Detroit Lions. The run game struggled last week, and it is coming up against a better front this time. If the Lions can’t run the ball, they’ll need their superstar receiver to step up and make some incredible catches as he did against Atlanta.
He will get shadowed a lot by Rhodes and Golladay will fancy his chances against a former divisional rival. In a contract year, Golladay is hungry and is playing well and he will have to be even better this week.