Key things to watch for on Saturday’s game at Cleveland:
The defensive line
The Lions fi nished the game with only two quarterback hurries – one on a blitz – and zero sacks. Part of this may be due to a brand new interior line that includes a rookie, but Schwartz will be looking for players not only to be in the right position to make a play, but to wrap up.
The Lions allowed 113 rushing yards but 40 of those yards came on a breakout run by Michael Turner.
LB Julian Peterson: “The biggest thing we need to do is make sure we tackle well. We did a poor job of tackling and that’s why they scored that fi rst touchdown. A er that we settled down and we made some plays but obviously, we need to tighten up a bit. But I
am pleased by what we did.”
The running game
Last Saturday, it was clear to the players that Schwartz wasn’t just talking about running the ball – he full-well plans to run it. The team finished with 191 rushing yards – 76 from quarterbacks – and that was including just one series by last year’s starter, Kevin Smith.
QB Daunte Culpepper: “We really have a certain attitude about the running game. In the NFL, if you can run the ball and stop the run you can win, so that’s the fi rst thing Coach always talks about: run the ball and stop the ball. Every day at practice, they’re always
harping (about it). The message is all attitude and that’s what I like about it. Every good off ense can run the ball.”
WHAT'S YOUR TAKE?
