Lions Vs Falcons, live on NFL Network

Submitted by NotADuck on August 12th, 2022 at 6:20 PM

I know its only the preseason but that first drive was... actually really good?  The line got great push on every play, the passing game was excellent with Goff hitting throws short, medium, and long distance.  All of it was finished off with Swift powering into the endzone for a touchdown.  Lets hope the 1st string defense can match the offense.

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NotADuck

August 12th, 2022 at 6:23 PM ^

Aidan making the Falcons left tackle look absolutely silly on the 2nd play, making a tackle for a loss in the backfield.  They had a stop on 3rd down but missed the tackle at the line and the running back picked up the first down.  Mariota's legs are proving to be a problem so far, we will see if the defense can adjust.

Joined: 12/20/2013

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NotADuck

August 12th, 2022 at 6:30 PM ^

The D-line is making plays, getting into the backfield on both run and pass plays.  Not just Aidan either.  The problem is the RB is usually able to make the first guy miss and then there is no one else behind him to clean up.  In passing plays, Mariota is under a lot of pressure but he can escape the pocket and usually find lots of space thereafter.  He hasn't been able to throw much because of this but they're moving the ball regardless.  Seems like the 2nd level of the defense needs some work.

Joined: 12/20/2013

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NotADuck

August 12th, 2022 at 6:50 PM ^

Mariota was able to escape the pressure generated by Aidan and dive into the endzone for a TD.  Even though the Falcons scored, it was not easy for them to do so.  The D-Line is very much improved from last season, getting penetration on just about every play.  The problem was the coverage in the back and making tackles at the 2nd level.  The linebacking corps is a weakness for sure, but we knew that already.  They're hoping Derrick Barnes can improve in year 2 and maybe Malcom Rodriguez can be a surprise gem from the 6th round of the draft.  If not, its going to be a rough year for the LBs.  (As I write this, Barnes knifes into the backfield for a TFL.)

First team offense was completely replaced on the 2nd drive for the Lions.  Outside of a very lucky deep completion from Boyle to Kalif Raymond, they didn't do much.  I don't think I'll watch much more of this game.  It's pretty clear there is a steep drop-off from 1st to 2nd string for the offense.

Joined: 12/20/2013

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jdraman

August 12th, 2022 at 6:53 PM ^

Please keep in mind that these Falcons are probably going to be the worst team in the NFL this year (and I’m hoping they get that number one overall pick). But yeah Hutch looks like a beast already and abused one of the two good OL the Falcons have for that TFL. 

Joined: 10/23/2019

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befuggled

August 12th, 2022 at 10:14 PM ^

I forgot Atlanta traded away Matt Ryan and changed up the roster for Arthur Smith. I get Erik Kramer vibes with Mariota; he has enough moments to fool a coach into thinking he can work out but he's not quite good enough to be a decent starter.

I'm still thinking of Jacksonville as the least talented team in the league. Although that's in large part because I'm amused that Darrell Bevell has a better winning percentage than Urban Fucking Meyer even though Bevell's entire head coaching experience has been as an interim coach.

Joined: 07/01/2008

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jdraman

August 12th, 2022 at 10:26 PM ^

I mean I don't think Mariota is the long-term plan at QB for the Falcons. He's on a two-year deal, but they did draft Ridder out of Cincy in the 3rd this past year and then they could get a high enough drack pick this coming year to snag Young or Stroud or whichever QB rockets up draft boards. Yeah, Jacksonville is probably just as bad overall, but they at least have a "generational" QB talent, they signed a couple of quality free agents, and they have a super bowl winning head coach. 

Joined: 10/23/2019

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Hotel Putingrad

August 13th, 2022 at 1:08 PM ^

Not at all. Boyle is the most headscratching signing Holmes has made. If Goff goes down, this team won't win another game.

And as for the defense, while the line is improved, the back seven are still a bottom five unit.

Will the Lions entertain this year? Yeah. Will they win more than 6 games? No way.

Joined: 12/10/2014

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DogTown

August 12th, 2022 at 7:58 PM ^

Watching the Bengals. So far, Dax Hill gave up a touchdown but Chris Evans is looking great. 

Edit: And Dax almost had a pick on a pass breakup in the end zone.

Joined: 09/17/2015

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TruBluMich

August 12th, 2022 at 9:13 PM ^

I remember one year the Lions went undefeated in the pre-season. I was so excited for the season; they finished it off by going 0-16 in the regular season. Haven't watched a pre-season game sense. Then to make it worse, they drafted this young QB out of Georgia with the first pick they earned. That young QB would go on to win a Super Bowl the very next season after leaving Detroit.

Joined: 08/03/2011

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