The Detroit Lions face off against an impressive 7-2 Philadelphia Eagles team this week, and their roster is just chock-full of talent.
“They’ve drafted well. They’ve acquired their players a number of different ways, but they certainly have drafted well,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said on Friday. “And a lot of the players they have are a lot of the same players we really were high on too. So, that says a lot just on the respect level of those players they have over there and what they do and their process.”
While the Eagles haven’t exactly won with style points—as evidenced by their +26 point differential despite a 7-2 record—they have been able to close out games and win one-on-ones when it comes to crunch time.
So, today’s Question of the Day is:
Which Eagles player is the biggest threat to a Lions victory?
My answer: Offensively, I have to say DeVonta Smith. Unlike all the drama with A.J. Brown, Smith has been the model of consistency and efficiency all year. He’s caught at least four passes in seven of the Eagles’ nine games, and his 657 receiving yards currently ranks 13th in the NFL. That may seem low, but consider how close a bunch of receivers are in that category. For example, Amon-Ra St. Brown has 693 yards—a mere 36 yards more than Smith—but the Lions receiver ranks fifth in the NFL.
Regardless, the point is Smith is the focal point of the Eagles’ passing offense, and with the Lions shorthanded and set to be without D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold—and Amik Robertson also questionable because of a hamstring injury—this could be a significant mismatch on Sunday night.
Defensively, I’m most concerned about Jalen Carter. The book on stopping the Lions offense is creating disruption right up the middle, and that’s exactly what Carter is capable of doing. Among interior defenders, Carter has produced 28 pressures per PFF (10th) and has an ESPN pass rush win rate of 11% (14th in NFL).
Going up against a Lions interior offensive line that still has a lot to prove could be one of the more interesting battles to watch in Week 11.
Which Eagles player do you think could give Detroit fits on Sunday night? Scroll down to the comment section at the bottom of the page and share your thoughts.
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