| Eagles at Detroit Lions | |
| Sun., Sept. 19, 1 PM, FOX, Ford Field | |
[
 ](http://www.detroitlions.com) |
|
| Game Preview | |
|
Second-year head coach Jim Schwartz has the Lions moving in the right direction. Detroit had an aggressive off-season, adding some veteran pieces to the defense and Schwartz has a good scheme in place on that side of the ball. Detroit's main building block is quarterback Matthew Stafford, a second-year man who has all of the tools and the intangibles to lead Detroit back to the playoffs. It is, though, a long process. The Lions took a step forward last year, and then endured some major injuries, losing running back Kevin Smith and tight end Brandon Pettigrew to torn anterior cruciate ligaments late in the season. This game will also serve as a homecoming for linebacker Ernie Sims, who spent the first four season of his career in Detroit. Still, the Lions are capable of springing an upset on their home turf. The Eagles can't allow Stafford and his big arm to get into a rhythm, especially with star wide receiver Calvin Johnson able to have his way with any defense. | |
-- Posted by Dave Spadaro, 6:00 p.m., June 29
