Neither the Atlanta Falcons nor the Detroit Lions have been to the playoffs in the last five seasons, but both teams are fighting their way back to NFL relevance.
After two 7-10 seasons, the Falcons are off to a hot start at 2-0. Meanwhile, the Lions shocked the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 1 before losing to the Seattle Seahawks at home in Week 2.
Buy Falcons TicketsWhich team has the advantage on Sunday? We went behind enemy lines with Jeff Risdon, the managing editor at Lions Wire, to get some answers.
1
How banged up is Detroit coming into Week 3?
The Lions are fighting the injury bug hard. They’ll be without their starting safeties with C.J. Gardner-Johnson on IR and Kerby Joseph out with a hip injury. The offensive line will be without two starters, and the starting wideouts are both questionable. David Montgomery likely won’t play either. It’s going to test the team’s depth, no doubt.
2
What's your early read on Jahmyr Gibbs?
Gibbs has been a little slower to get rolling, but it’s nothing too concerning. During camp, he was electrifying with the ball in his hands. With Montgomery likely out, Gibbs figures to get a big jump in workload against the Falcons. He’s got great receiving skills and can really set up blocks well as a runner.
3
How did the Lions beat the Chiefs and then lose to the Seahawks?
In a word, defense. The Lions defense was very effective at putting the Chiefs in 3rd and long, or constantly behind the schedule. The tackling was good, the pass rush was impactful even without getting a sack on Patrick Mahomes. Then Seattle comes in and the script flipped. Tackling went out the window. Seattle was sharp with their route combinations and the Lions coverage just wasn’t up to the challenge. Pass rush didn’t impact Geno Smith at all.
And that’s the Lions in a nutshell. The talent is there but it doesn’t always come together. But when it does, they can beat anyone.
4
Do you see the team extending QB Jared Goff?
What happens with Goff is the subject of much discussion. He’s played more than well enough to earn a big extension, and the team is financially capable of making it happen. It feels like the team will commit, but there is still some dependence on how well he plays in 2023. So far, he’s earning whatever big contract he’ll get.
5
What is Detroit's biggest Achilles heel?
Aside from injuries, and they’re certainly relevant this week, it’s the field goal kicking. Riley Patterson doesn’t have great range, and the Lions don’t really try the long field goals. The aggressive nature of Dan Campbell plays into that too. So if the game comes down to a game-winning FG attempt, the Lions might not have that club in the bag.
6
Who wins/game prediction
I think the game will have a lot of running and not as many points as a lot are expecting. Detroit should win if the defense can get pressure and create a takeaway or two. Lions 24, Falcons 20.
- Check out Jeff’s work over at The Lions Wire
