Detroit Lions: 3 Bold predictions for Week 8 vs. Colts
By Tayyib Abu
3. Detroit Lions defense nabs three interceptions
The Detroit Lions secondary is talented if not inexperienced. That means the scarce veterans must step up and lead. Duron Harmon is a critical component of the secondary playing well. He has to corral those young defensive backs around the field and, so far, is doing a solid job in that role.
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Going up against two former MVPs and future Hall-of-Famer, the Lions secondary has struggled overall but has also improved, especially since the bye week. Now they face Philip Rivers and the Colts as the signal-caller is starting to look like a 38-year-old.
Rivers has already thrown six interceptions this year and has been wildly inconsistent. Detroit will have to play a complete defense and the front seven will have to play a strong game. Rivers still believes he has the arm from 10 years ago but there are signs that’s no longer the case.
He has underthrown many passes through this season already and, if Detroit can take away the run game and create some pressure in the pocket, Rivers will still look to hit a home run on his passes.
The Lions corners can play an excellent game. Amani Oruwayire and Jeff Okudah are starting to improve quickly and are the rangy, physical corners Patricia likes in his defense. Okudah, in particular, has improved from a tough start.
With Rivers having the gunslinger mentality and the Colts lacking a true superstar wideout, the Lions secondary can be much more aggressive. Paired to an ever-improving pass rush and this Lions secondary will have opportunities. They did it against Arizona in Week 3 and can do it again on Sunday.