The Detroit Lions try to overcome a disastrous start to the NFL season when the team takes on the 49-ers in San Francisco.
It’s a bit early to panic.
But Detroit followed a lackluster pre-season with a blowout loss to the supposedly-lowly New York Jets to start the games that count last week, and critics are lambasting the Lions and – in particular – new Head Coach Matt Patricia.
The team has a chance to right itself against a San Francisco squad coming off its own defeat – to Detroit’s division rival Minnesota.
The game may hinge on whether Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford or 49ers passer Jimmy Garoppolo can limit the flurry of interceptions both threw in their previous outing.
Detroit also needs a better performance from its offensive line – which many experts initially considered one of the best in pro football.
Detroit could have an extra advantage – Head Coach Patricia should know Garoppolo’s tendencies well, after facing him in practice over the past few years while both were with the New England Patriots.