Lions' Biggest Threats in the NFC
People believe that the Lions are the best team in the NFC. The Detroit Lions are favored to go to the Super Bowl. However, there are two obstacles standing in their way. These obstacles are the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings. The Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles are the two biggest threats in the NFC for the Detroit Lions.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have arguably the best offense in the NFC. The offense is extremely balanced. When the opposing team stops the run, they can pass. When the opposing team stops the pass, they can run. Jalen Hurts stats for this season are not excellent. However, they don’t have to be. That is because of running back Saquon Barkley. This season is Saquon Barkley’s first as an Eagle after being a New York Giant for six seasons. Saquon Barkley is leading the NFL in rushing yards with 1,392 yards. Barkley is tied for the fourth most rushing touchdowns in the league at 10. He has the most carries at 223 carries. The Eagles can also pass the ball. A.J. Brown is an excellent wide receiver, and Jalen Hurts is an excellent quarterback, but they have not had excellent seasons because they have not had to. Saquon Barkley has carried his team on his back, and Jalen Hurts only steps in when he needs to. Jalen Hurts usually never has to step up because teams can not stop Saquon Barkley. The Eagles threaten the Lions because of their balanced offense. The biggest obstacle for the Lions if they do end up against the Eagles will be shutting down Barkley and forcing Jalen Hurts to throw. It seems that not a lot of teams have been able to stop Barkley this season. The Lions need to make sure that they do.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have surprised everyone this year with how successful of a season they’ve had. The Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in hopes that he would start for the team. However, before the regular season, he tore his meniscus. This meant that the backup, Sam Darnold, would need to step up, and he did. He is already making a name for himself. Sam Darnold has 21 passing touchdowns, which is fifth most in the league, and 2,717 passing yards, which is 10th most in the league. His wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, has 939 receiving yards, which is the second most in the league. The Vikings’ pass game seems to be unstoppable, with a 10-2 record. The Lions have already played the Vikings and barely won 31-29. However, with an offense as explosive as Minnesota’s, it is fair to say that the Vikings are a huge threat not only for the NFC North title but for the playoffs, too.
Everyone seems to think that the Lions are bound to go to the Super Bowl. However, for that to happen, they will need to beat out the biggest threats in the NFC, the Vikings and the Eagles. Both of these teams' strengths are their offense. It is up to the Detroit Lions’ defense to prepare accordingly for these threats. If they can prepare efficiently, then they will win efficiently.
