● What: Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets
● When: Sunday, Sept. 27, 1 p.m.
● Where: Ford Field, Detroit
● How to watch: Fox (Amin/Brees/Pink)
● How to listen: 97.1-FM The Ticket in Metro Detroit or any number of network affiliates around the state.
● Line: Lions -6.5
● Injury report: The Lions ruled out guard Ben Bartch and safety Thomas Harper on Friday, placing the latter on injured reserve a day later.
● Officiating assignment: Brad Rogers’ crew.
● Last meeting: The Lions needed a late, 51-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brock Wright to squeeze by the Jets in Week 15 of the 2022 season.
Three things worth watching
● The Lions have managed to score 31 points in each of the first two games, but they’ve gotten off to a sluggish start in both contests.
Against the Saints in Week 1, the offense opened with a three-and-out and either punted or turned the ball over on five of their first six possessions, mustering just seven points in the opening half.
Then in Buffalo last Thursday, Detroit again went three-and-out to open the game, and mustered a single first down during their second possession, helping dig a 21-0 hole that proved insurmountable.
After the contest, quarterback Jared Goff talked about the need to start faster. He said the solution was being intentional about that goal throughout the week. Coordinator Drew Petzing noted that he’s more laser-focused on the team’s early-game plan, which includes a script. He also talked about the need to get any nerves out of the way during the pre-game.
Frankly, that’s a pretty vague plan. Quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell arguably said it best when asked how the coaching staff can foster urgency.
“You shouldn't have to,” Brunell said. “I mean, you really shouldn't.”
He’s right. The team should always be urgent from the opening kickoff. They should always be intentional. They should always feel good about their opening script. Words and vibes won’t turn things around. They just need to execute earlier to take some pressure off a struggling defense.
● Speaking of the other side of the ball, we’re all on the lookout for what personnel adjustments the Lions are going to make after their shellacking in Buffalo.
The one we know for certain, which could play a critical role to getting the unit on track, is Christian Izien’s shift to safety.
The Lions moved quickly to sign the versatile defensive back in free agency, and after working him at safety during the initial stages of the offseason program, Izien was shifted to nickel, where he won the starting job.
However, after losing Avonte Maddox and Thomas Harper to injury, the team will be counting on Izien in an every down role this week.
When I talked to the young veteran during training camp, he talked about the pride he took in his on-field communication. That’s one of the biggest things the Lions need right now in the secondary, because the group has had its fair share of breakdowns through two weeks.
● Former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn seems to have New York trending in a good direction on defense after taking over play-calling this season. Through two weeks, the unit has allowed just 326.0 yards and 20.0 points per game.
The Jets have also been excellent on third down. And the group has forced six fumbles, a carryover focus on attacking the ball, which Glenn brought from Detroit.
However, the Jets have yet to intercept a pass with Glenn at the helm. The record-breaking 19-game drought is especially wild given the coach snagged 41 picks during his lengthy playing career.
Goff put a ball in danger last week against Buffalo, a throw that easily could have been intercepted, but the defender couldn’t hang on. Other than that miscue, the Lions quarterback has been smart with the ball to open the season, completing 67.5% of his passes for 533 yards and six touchdowns.
And, importantly, zero interceptions.
The Lions will need to be aware of defenders trying to punch the ball free, but if Goff can keep a goose egg in the interception column, it will go a long way toward securing the bounceback victory.
Lions win by double digits