DETROIT LIONS (5-2) at DENVER BRONCOS (2-4)
4:05 P.M. ET, FOX, Direct TV (711), SIRIUS (Det 135, Den 92)
Why Watch
Because you just can’t get enough of Tim Tebow? Last Sunday, Tebow proved both sides of the argument about him to be correct. He showed poor form as a NFL quarterback. He found a way to win. Perhaps the issue is that nobody has the skills to coach him. That, and the Broncos do not have much else to work with.
Meanwhile, the Lions will be looking to recapture their early season swagger, and will be facing off against a team riding a wave of Tebow-inspired confidence.
What To Watch
Forget Tebow. The legit rising star in Denver is rookie OLB Von Miller (six sacks). Detroit’s offensive line has not been faring well, with Matthew Stafford getting sacked eight times in the last two weeks. The final hit of last week’s game had him in a walking boot, and his status for the game is officially listed as questionable.
I watch a lot of cartoons and learned that you cannot stop Megatron unless Optimus Prime is in your secondary. He isn’t in Denver. Champ Bailey is in Denver. A player like Calvin Johnson could make Bailey feel young again. Or, very, very old. Calvin Johnson is due for another big game.
As ferocious as the Lions pass rush is, Detroit’s run defense is not. If only the Broncos had a healthy ground pounder to go after them. That guy Tebow though, he can run.
Jim Schwartz’ rundown of 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh a few weeks ago was a teaching moment to show Lions defenders how to stop the run. it was over the top, but Schwartz is desperate for a run defense. And, a run offense. Lions’ rusher Jahvid Best (concussion) will miss the game.
Who Will Win
Detroit has been rebuilding for years. Denver is just getting (re)started. It will show on the field. Denver doesn’t have the juice to stop Detroit.
