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49ers 2009 opponent breakdown: Detroit Lions (Week 16)
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Who will be at quarterback for the Lions?
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Last year the 49ers were one of the 13 teams last year to defeat the Lions. After going 0-16, the Lions are trying to find many answers to many questions surrounding their team.
But with this being the second to last game for the 49ers, regardless of what the 49ers' record may be by then, they have to win this game. The Lions more than likely should have at least one win under their belt at this time and should be looking to find out which quarterback on their roster will be their answer for the next season.
2008 Record: 0-16 (4th NFC North)
Last meeting: 9/21/08 @ San Francisco (49ers win 31-13)
2009 schedule: Week 16 @ San Francisco
Top 3 best players: WR Calvin Johnson, LB Julian Peterson, LB Larry Foote
Notable draft picks: QB Matthew Stafford, TE Brandon Pettigrew, S Louis Delmas
Notable new acquisitions: CB Phillip Buchanon, WR Ronald Curry, DT Grady Jackson, LB Julian Peterson, WR Bryant Johnson, S Marquand Manuel, RB Maurice Morris
Notable losses: DT Shaun Cody, WR Mike Furrey, QB Jon Kitna, FB Moran Norris, QB Dan Orlovsky, DT Cory Redding
The biggest question with the Lions this off-season is whether or not they want to throw rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford into the starting role to begin the season. I think the best bet would be Daunte Culpepper, but knowing the Lions, they might just be desperate enough to throw Stafford in.
Regardless of the quarterback, the Lions have only one true offensive threat and that's wide out Calvin Johnson. Johnson has been nothing but impressive since his rookie year and with a very weak offense, he will have to carry the team. The Lions did grab Bryant Johnson from he 49ers and I must admit, I still believe Johnson has a bright future in the NFL. If the quarterback can get the ball down to these two speed demons, then the Lions might give themselves a chance to win the game.
But with a rookie at tight end (Pettigrew) and a running back that has only one year under his belt (Smith), the Lions will be struggling to find themselves all season long. Running back Rudi Johnson will not be returning to the Lions (most likely) and the Lions will have a long road ahead of them.
But I won't put anything past this team. By Week 16, I am pretty sure that they will have found some sort of rhythm on offense. But with the lack of talent and experience, it might be another long season for the Lions.
On defense, the Lions grabbed LB Julian Peterson from the Seahawks and LB Larry Foote from the Steelers. Both these linebackers have played in some really successful defenses in their careers. The Lions will hope that they can add some intensity to the linebacker group. Alongside Ernie Sims, the Lions linebackers have definitely upgraded.
The defensive pressure by the D-Line needs to really step up to have any chance of stopping the 49ers. New acquisition Grady Jackson will have pressure to be a strong veteran to help get this team force the pressure on the quarterback.
The cornerbacks of Buchanon and Henry will be attacked by the 49ers offense. The best way to take down a team is to score early. The 49ers will most definitely try to put the dagger early on the Lions. The best chance for the Lions to win this game is to force the turnovers. But by this time, the 49ers will have developed some sort of consistency on offense and should be able to handle whatever is thrown their way by the Lions.
This is the easiest team on the schedule for the 49ers. They should be able to get by this one easy.
Trying out Twitter for 49ers updates. Check me out here @SLam49ers
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