WORST DEFENSE- No matter the category, the Lions are likely worst in the NFL when it comes to anything defensively. So, should the Patriots look good on offense today, they won't get any credit. People will still complain about the play calling and the fact that the team doesn't have a named offensive coordinator. While the offense won't be able to come out as winners today, if they don't put up some big numbers, they will surely be "taken to the woodshed".
FAKE NUMBER ONE- Four games into the season the Lions have the best offense, but have they actually played good defenses? While that has yet to be determined, it currently looks like they've had some pretty weak defenses opposing them.
Week one they played the Eagles. Since the Eagles are the only undefeated team in the NFL, we'll give them credit for being pretty good on defense as of now. Of course it was week 1 when they played each other and the Lions did score 35 points at home in the loss.
Week two they scored 36 points against the Commanders. The Commanders are 29th with points given up per game (26.8).
Week three they scored 24 points against the Vikings. The Vikings' defense is giving up 20 points per game, so not really that impressive.
Week four they scored 45 against the Seahawks. The Seahawks have the 2nd worst defense in the NFL and give up 28.8 points per game.
SPECIAL TEAMS- Since they've been scoring so many touchdowns, not having a reliable kicker has not really been noticed outside of the Detroit locker room. Yesterday they signed Michael Badgley to perform their kicking duties. Badgley is fresh off a 4-4 emergency kicking stint for the Bears. Not known for being a clutch kicker, I'll give the kicking advantage to the Patriots assuming Folk doesn't get the old announcer jinx thrown at him. When it comes to punting, the advantage has to go to the Lions. What is up with Jake Bailey this year? Personally, I'd like to see him at least attempt to use the sidelines. With Belichick being ultra conservative at mid-field, their is nothing worse than seeing Bailey get touchback after touchback for a net of 20 yards. Should the Patriots force some punts today, we better not see any more Myles Bryant back there. Marcus Jones had a nice game last week and should be back there moving forward.