Week 12 Metrics This is what you call a near exclusive nickel game for this defense. They didn't call one traditional run play against our base 3-4 front which we may have used on maybe a grand total of 5 snaps all game, if that. So if you think they had success running the ball (they did average nearly 6 yards a pop with running backs), that's why. The stats show they also only picked up 7 rushing first downs all game and at least one was on a Stafford scramble.
Loved the bracket coverage look we gave Calvin Johnson virtually all through the first half and even through the second. We kept him quiet and forced Stafford to beat us in other ways. I think the Lions could have had more success against this defense had Stafford made a couple fairly routine passes and a better read on the Francois pick, but that's the quarterback Stafford is right now...not great. It's the reason we can afford to play so much bracket coverage on Megatron. To his credit, Williams stepped up his game and put on a fantastic performance. The man did drop 2 easy picks though. I'm sure the guys were ribbing on him in the locker room about those. So while Stafford could have played better, our D could have had 2 more turnovers too, so take it how you want.
Woodson's in the zone right now. He's making excellent reads and taking calculated gambles. I think we're also benefiting from using him more in the role he's accustomed to playing at this point in his career...around the football and the LOS. His instincts and ball skills are still at the top of pack. He's having a legitimate Pro Bowl season again.
Loved that Shields' name was rarely called. He tends to have some of those games in him. Would love to see that man put it together consistently.
Thought Smith played very well for his first game action. Clearly looks like someone who has seen the field in his day. Looked like another Desmond Bishop out there quite honestly. Effective getting to the passer too! Would like to see more out of him. Francois looked athletic and not just on the pick play. While I want Bishop and Hawk back, I suppose I could wait and give these two another shot. I think our defense could cope without the two of them better than injuries to other positions.
Finally, Capers is really itching to use Matthews in coverage more. There's no reason he won't be an elite cover linebacker in this league (he basically is in the capacities he's used--not enough downfield video on him), but unfortunately he's also our best pass rusher, which is a slightly more valuable asset I'd say. Hope we can get another pure pass rusher and let this man patrol the underneath routes a little bit. Get him some more experience and he's going to come up with big plays in zone coverage...guaranteed.