| Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has seen an increase in blitz packages, resulting in costly turnovers. (US Presswire) |
When the 2012 season began, Lions’ receivers -- Nate Burleson in particular -- were literally begging opponents to blitz quarterback Matthew Stafford in hopes of getting one-on-one coverage matchups that would allow them to shine.
As the saying goes: Be careful what you wish for -- you just might get it.
It took them a while, but the Lions’ opponents are finally heeding that request, except now it’s the last thing Detroit needs as the team tries to end its current six-game losing streak.
“Early in the season we saw a lot of prevent type defenses,” coach Jim Schwartz said. “With some of our injuries, a couple teams have taken the approach of trying to [increase blitz pressure].”
Schwartz is right. The Lions’ once-feared receiving corps has been decimated. TE Brandon Pettigew’s ankle injury, coupled with three WRs -- Titus Young (knee and attitude), Ryan Broyles (ACL), and Nate Burleson (broken leg) -- being placed on IR has granted opposing DBs license to double-cover Calvin Johnson, who continues to dominate despite the increased attention.
TEs Tony Scheffler and Will Heller have done their best to pick up the slack for Pettigrew’s absence, but the relative inexperience of the rest of Detroit’s complimentary receivers has allowed defensive coordinators to blitz Stafford without fear of allowing a big play.
And blitz they have. According to the statistical website ProFootballFocus.com, the Lions have been blitzed on 148 of their 629 pass attempts this season -- once per four pass attempts. In the three weeks since Broyles became the third WR to go on IR, however, Detroit has been blitzed once every three passes.
The 33-percent increase in blitz packages has forced Stafford to make quicker decisions, resulting in costly turnovers. Stafford has thrown five interceptions since facing the additional pressure, one-third of his 2012 total, and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan says he believes Atlanta will use similar tactics against Stafford on Saturday night.
To help Stafford get back on track, Linehan says Detroit’s patchwork receiver group must find its form and make the Falcons pay for applying extra pressure.
“[Opponents pressuring Stafford is] the reality we’re in, Linehan said. “[The receivers] have got to respond this week. We’re going to see very similar-type looks. Calvin’s going to have his [yards] … If we can get a big play from each [other receiver] that is now playing, that’ll keep our drives alive and allow us to move the ball and score points.”
That said, Linehan was also quick to attempt to mitigate some of the Lions’ passing difficulties, reminding reporters Wednesday that Stafford -- who could still break the 5,000–passing yard plateau this season -- has had to deal with constant change at the receiver position.
“I think [the passing game’s recent inefficiency] has more to do with the fact that the continuity of [Stafford’s] receiving corps has not been there,” Linehan said. “We didn’t have any injuries last year with the guys we were counting on. It’s not an excuse but you’re not going to have the same rhythm and timing if you’ve got a revolving door at your skill positions.”
Stafford, who is not one to normally make excuses, agreed with Linehan’s opinion on the difficulties he’s faced.
“Earlier in the season, Calvin was going through some injuries,” he said. “Titus was going through some injuries. We didn’t have practice time. It’s tough to really get in sync when you have new faces out there, but I think we’ve done a decent job of still moving the ball and scoring.”
Scheffler and Heller should see their fair share of targets when Johnson is covered, but the key to whether Detroit’s passing game is successful Saturday may be the play of Stafford’s former college teammate, WR Kris Durham.
Durham has five catches for 68 yards since he was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster in Week 14. At 6-6, he provides an attractive option against most NFL corners, but he’s still learning the offense. A miscommunication between Stafford and Durham led to an interception in his Lions’ debut, and he says he’s working to make sure that doesn’t happen again this week.
“I’m getting there,” he said. “It takes some time, but I’m working with (Stafford) every day. Hopefully we’re going to have our timing down, be able to read each other, and make some plays.”
If he can produce over the season’s final two weeks, Durham says he’s confident he’ll be in a good position to fight for a roster spot during offseason workouts and training camp.
“It’s an opportunity,” he said. “To go out there, get (on) film, and be successful is what I’ve been working for all year. I believe [the last two games will] propel me into next year’s camp.”
For his part, Stafford believes the offense has the ability to handle the pressure they expect the Falcons to use Saturday, and he says the Lions can win if they’re able to stay in the game and use the Ford Field crowd to their advantage.
“[Atlanta is] a team that’s 12-2 and won a lot of close games,” Stafford said. “If it comes down to it, [Saturday’s game] would be a fun one to win in a close-game fashion. As far as how good they are in close games if you look at their record [7-1 in one-possession games] it’s just going to be a challenge.”
Follow Lions reporter John Kreger on Twitter at @CBSLions and @JohnKreger.