Looking at the Lions vs Saints matchup, it’s almost the perfect scenario for an opener for both teams. For the Detroit Lions, they get a team that’s expected to seriously contend in the NFC. Therefore if they lose this opener, which everyone expects they will, there’s no stigma. For the Saints, the Lions offer a good warmup. But that’s a dangerous thing. Underestimating the Lions could cost the Saints some face.
Another bonus for the Lions? They get to face a Saints defense that will still be finding it’s way. The opportunity is there for the Lions defense to actually score some points, and in Detroit they’ll take what they can get. nd there’s the rub. Are the Detroit Lions actually a team that can get worked up to win? Or has it become a high just to be in a game and the end, even if you eventually lose?
Here’s what I see coming from Lions vs Saints tickets. I think you’ll actually get a competitive game for two quarters. I don’t see the Saints secondary as being amazingly better and so Duante Culpepper and Calvin Johnson actually might get something done if they put the ball in the air. Remember also, Will Smith and Charles Grant will probably be out on suspension, so the Saints pass rush might be lacking. That’s a recipe for defensive disaster in New Orleans. But in the end, Drew Brees will find a way to score enough points for the win.
Of course, the preseason has just begun, so making any type of predictions is a foolish game. The Saints secondary could jell immediately, Smith and Grant could get the go ahead, and New Orleans could enter the regular season with a powerful defense. But I don’t think that’s going to happen. I believe we’ll be riding the backs of the offense again in 2009, with possibly a slightly better but improving defense. If they can come together by mid-season, when the NFC South games get ramped up, we could do some damage.
