Pass Rush Is Key To Detroit Lions' Win Over Minnesota Vikings

What may be perceived as a trap game by most other teams will prove a stern test for the Detroit Lions, as they welcome the Minnesota Vikings to Ford Field for their last home game of the regular season. A win is crucial for keeping pace with both the NFC Wild Card and divisional crown, potentially setting the stage for a blockbuster winner-take-all contest against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17.

The Lions enter this week with one of the most vaunted defenses in the league. Detroit is ranked first against the run in just about every relevant category, allowing just three yards per attempt and a long of only 35 yards on the season. The Vikings’ pedestrian rushing attack, led by the solid-but-unimpressive duo of Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata, does not match up well, so look for Teddy Bridgewater to air things out in an attempt to set the tone early.

How do the Lions take this one? Simple. They do what they’ve been doing all season, but do it a little bit smarter. Provided the run defense holds up, constant pressure on Teddy Throwsevelt will turn the Vikes from one-dimensional to zero-dimensional, at which point things could get ugly in the den. Ndamukong Suh’s latest injury status has been upgraded to “probable,” meaning he should be raring to go alongside Ziggy Ansah, Nick Fairley and a fearsome foursome up front.

Suh and Ansah boast 13 sacks between them, and their ability to collapse the pocket forms the first of a two-part formula for victory. Constant pressure via the interior and fringe of the pocket respectively could force Bridgewater to drop his eyes and take off in a hurry – he is still a rookie, don’t forget.

Tackling machine DeAndre Levy would not look amiss as a QB spy in obvious passing situations, ensuring Bridgewater won’t shred the Lions on the ground. If Detroit’s front seven can take away time in the pocket, the opportunistic secondary will feast on Minnesota’s constant check downs, and bring the Lions that much closer to an elusive playoff berth.

Jonathon Natsis covers the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JohnHollywood92, ‘like’ him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.