Extreme Commanders

Great win tonight for sure… and clearly the NFL has decided that we are a team to watch in the playoffs, awarding us with two prime time playoff games in a row… but how are we really going to beat the lions?

What can we do to slow down their offense? We kinda hoped that lattimore was gonna be an answer and maybe he shakes off some rust, but he looked a little flat.

Probably pray.

Our defense won’t stop them. Our offense will
Have to keep up with them. Hope score is either tied or Lions only have a lead if 6 or less points when we get the ball last. Then for Jayden to make a final drive and get us winning TD.

Beating Detroit probably would require a mistake free game + a bunch of mistakes by them. Then mix in some lucky bounces.

Whatever. Now 13 wins this season. Top 3 in cap room. Most of our draft picks. Not saying the various gaps and issues can all be solved in one more offseason. But hit like they did last offaeason and they'll be ok.

Since we have the better defense than the Lions that means JD will need to win another one for us. As usual. Our D needs to do just enough to stop them a bit. We can and will win this game.

Keep the ball.
Keep our defense and their offense off the field as much as possible.

Gotta find a way for our RBs to be effective.

SWIM wrote: Sun Jan 12, 2025 11:22 pm

Great win tonight for sure… and clearly the NFL has decided that we are a team to watch in the playoffs, awarding us with two prime time playoff games in a row… but how are we really going to beat the lions?

What can we do to slow down their offense? We kinda hoped that lattimore was gonna be an answer and maybe he shakes off some rust, but he looked a little flat.

I didn't think he looked flat really.

I don't know where Lattimore was on the field on every play, but Evans was pretty much kept in check.

Particularly in the second half.

Im not anticipating a victory against the Lions.

The past 30 years of not only this team, but the league in general, have jaded me to a point where I dont get excited.

However, watching these games at bars and seeing younger fans of this team going absolutely berserk is just priceless. I cried tears of joy for them tonight.

And if we do somehow win Saturday, I would have to root for the Eagles Sunday. A Skins-Eagles NFCCG would be off the charts.

Control the clock and make each possession into points. Force more three and outs and get a couple of turnovers.

SkinsGuy wrote: Mon Jan 13, 2025 12:28 am

SWIM wrote: Sun Jan 12, 2025 11:22 pm

Great win tonight for sure… and clearly the NFL has decided that we are a team to watch in the playoffs, awarding us with two prime time playoff games in a row… but how are we really going to beat the lions?

What can we do to slow down their offense? We kinda hoped that lattimore was gonna be an answer and maybe he shakes off some rust, but he looked a little flat.

I didn't think he looked flat really.

I don't know where Lattimore was on the field on every play, but Evans was pretty much kept in check.

Particularly in the second half.

They moved lattimore to the other side of the field and doubled Evans

Offensive game plan has to be the same as last night, except finish more drives. We have to score 30. Ideally we don't get into as many 4th downs or even 3rd downs. Its imperative that on 2nd down we don't end up a yard short. Absolutely have to finish plays. I'm actually kinda surprised we didn't go for 2 after the first TD that also had a penalty that woulda given us the ball at 1 after the TD. I was perfectly fine being super aggressive yesterday. The math is in our favor. Its the playoffs, play to win. The football gods tend to reward that.

Specifically though, I'd give Ekeler more carries. Robinson just has no juice. He's 2nd and 9 guaranteed when he gets first down handoffs(and even that's being generous). Ekeler was our 2nd best player on that last drive last night(and arguably our best tbh). He's healthy and has more wiggle and juice to his runs.

Also need to shore up pass protection. Coleman was AWFUL yesterday, at least in the 1st half. Looked like in the 2nd half we gave him more help. I'd start Lucas if he's healthy. Coleman was a swinging gate. Wylie wasn't great either. Run blocking stunk too but I factor that more as Tampa being dominant against the run. I think we can run on Detroit.

Defensively...honestly we'll need to hope Detroit makes some mistakes and capitalize. To our credit we took advantage of both of Tampa's big miscues last night(the fumble and the early snap on the 3rd and 1 before the game tying FG). But if Goff throws a ball right into a DB's hands you have to catch it. If Gibbs fumbles you have to bounce on it.

We'll need to bring pressure. Detroit's OL is as good as it gets, we aren't beating them straight up. It's risky, but at least gives us a chance. Otherwise they'll just nickel and dime us to death. Hopefully Lattimore is healthier, he got cooked against Evans but we'll need him full go against St. Brown/Williams.

Can't miss tackles either. The game changed when Mayfield bulldozed two defenders on that last drive to end the 1st half. If we tackle there we get the ball back and at worst we're up 10-3 going into half. If we have Gibbs in the backfield we have to TFL him. If St. Brown catches a pass for 7 yards, keep him at 7, don't let him get 15.

Special Teams has to be perfect. No missed FGs. No fumbled punts/kickoffs. And maybe hope Detroit misses a FG or shanks a punt. Honestly, we might have to go the entire game not punting again to have a chance.

We have a chance. Not a super high one because of the drastic difference in talent between the two teams, but JD5 and the winning culture/magic give us a chance.