The Detroit Lions have had their fair share of struggles with mobile quarterbacks over the past few seasons, and it's something that has not gone unnoticed by their fans or coaching staff. Whether it's the electrifying speed of Kyler Murray or the elusive maneuvers of Lamar Jackson, these quarterbacks have caused headaches for the Lions' defense. Let's take a deep dive into why this is an issue for Detroit and explore some strategies they could use to improve their defensive performance against mobile QBs.
A Speedy Issue: The Lions' Defensive Lineup
Questions around Detroit's defensive personnel frequently pop up, especially when facing mobile quarterbacks. One fan asked, "Do you think the Lions are going to stick with heavy usage of base defense against a mobile QB in Murray or counter with more speed?" Justin Rogers from Detroit Football Network shared his insights, suggesting that Detroit's linebackers are quite athletic and capable of adapting. However, he noted that "Branch did play more in the box during the opener to counter the Rams' ability to make hay on the ground[…] I'd anticipate a shift back to that strategy this week to combat the presence of James Connor." This suggests that the Lions might rely more on their speedy linebackers and bring in additional support from their secondary, particularly when the ground game becomes a threat.
Anzalone's Absence: A Missing Link
One crucial point of concern is the injury status of Alex Anzalone, a key player known for his speed, which is severely missed when trying to contain quarterbacks like Kyler Murray. Jimmy Liao from USA Today mentioned, "The 2x LP to finish the week gives him a chance. But I'm guessing he and the Lions play it safe instead of trying to rush through the concussion protocol." Without Anzalone, the Lions may find it more challenging to keep up with Murray's quick escapes.
Simulated Pressures: A Potential Solution
One promising strategy against mobile quarterbacks is the use of simulated pressures. Russell Brown from USA Today explains, "Looking at data from Field Vision and Match Quarters, the Arizona Cardinals defense runs simulated pressures 57.7% of the time." In simple terms, simulated pressures involve defenders aligning as though they are blitzing but then falling back into coverage, making it unclear to the quarterback where the pressure is coming from. If the Lions could adopt a similar tactic, it might confuse and confound mobile quarterbacks, forcing them into hurried decisions and potential mistakes.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Approach
Containing mobile quarterbacks requires a combination of strategies. Athletic linebackers like Malcolm Rodriguez, who has seen increased playing time, can be crucial in passing situations. Utilizing simulated pressures to keep quarterbacks guessing might just be the trick Detroit needs. While the absence of some key players like Alex Anzalone may present challenges, the adaptability and athleticism within the squad offer hope.
The road ahead for the Lions involves refining these strategies and perhaps taking cues from teams adept at containing dual-threat QBs. It's a tough challenge but not an insurmountable one. With a bit of ingenuity and a commitment to adaptation, the Lions have a real shot at roaring past their Achilles heel.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Lions vs. Cardinals: Friday injury report medical breakdown from Jimmy Liao, USA Today
DFN Mailbag: Defensive personnel, mobile QB issues and what's with the rusty offense? from Justin Rogers, Detroit Football Network
Lions offense needs to be prepared for Cardinals simulated pressures on defense from Russell Brown, USA Today