Detroit Lions Put Total Focus On Opener With San Diego Chargers
By Danny Cox
The Detroit Lions finished the 2014 season on a good note, but not nearly as good as they had hoped. An 11-5 record and second place in the NFC North is nothing to be upset about, but losing in the NFC Wild Card Game to the Dallas Cowboys was not how they were hoping it would all end. Now, it's time for a new season and a visit to San Diego to face the Chargers is their first obstacle.
Season Record
The San Diego Chargers started off the 2014 season at 5-1, and then went into complete and total meltdown. They went 4-6 the rest of the way and ended 2014 in third place in the AFC West at 9-7 and missed the playoffs. A win in the final game would have gotten them into the playoffs, but they lost 19-7 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
San Diego Chargers on Offense
There is a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball for the Chargers and Philip Rivers is leading the pack yet again. He has to prove that he can win the big games, and it's getting to a point where it needs to happen now. Rivers has great targets, and his primary is third-year receiver Keenan Allen. With 226 receptions and close to 2,000 yards in his first two seasons, he's looking to have another big year.
Detroit will need to keep their eyes on him, the speedy Stevie Johnson, and always dangerous Antonio Gates. In the backfield, Ryan Mathews is gone and rookie Melvin Gordon is in with Danny Woodhead getting carries as well. The Lions will need to keep an eye on the running game, but more on the passing game which is incredibly dangerous.
San Diego Chargers on Defense
San Diego does have a lot of talent on defense and some very athletic players, but they're also quite young. Linebacker Melvin Ingram appears to be the leader of the defense, and the Lions need to watch him at all times or he'll end up in the offensive backfield all day. Veteran free safety Eric Weddle continues to lead the secondary and is always all over the field.
The Chargers have some holes and a few positions that the Lions will be able to exploit, but they can't ignore the veteran skill sets of Weddle, Brandon Flowers and Jason Verrett.
San Diego Chargers's Players to Watch
Rookie running back Melvin Gordon is going to be a player to keep an eye on. All focus is on him and the young man is taking over a backfield that has seen better days, but if he can get the NFL game in his mind immediately, then he will have a breakout season.
A lot of eyes will be on rookie kicker Josh Lambo who replaces Nick Novak, a trusted and solid veteran kicker who is 10 years Lambo's senior. He has a strong leg and is quite accurate, but the former soccer player will have a lot of focus on him and he had better make every kick count.
Outlook
This is going to be a true test for both teams early on, and a victory will pave the way for the weeks ahead. A victory will give either team plenty of confidence and have them move forward with a bit of a swagger. It's not going to be easy, but the Detroit Lions seem more prepared and focused than the San Diego Chargers and should be able to get an opening game win.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
