Three keys to victory for the Washington Football Team vs. Lions

The Defensive line must create pressure

The Detroit Lions’ Matthew Stafford looks like he is a go for Sunday, as his status was in question earlier in the week with a concussion. Stafford is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the league. When given time in the pocket, he can pick the defense apart. That is even more apparent with his improved receiving core.

The Washington Football Team’s defensive line must generate consistent pressure from four-man fronts. If they can create pressure without bringing extra players consistently that will make Stafford’s impact decrease.

Stafford must not be able to sit back in the pocket and feed second option Marvin Jones and tight end T.J. Hockenson if Washington wants to win. The weapons at Stafford’s disposal are strong even with Kenny Golladay (hip) out of this week’s game.

Generating pressure with their elite defensive line will help their secondary against this receiving core. The elite essentially front six of Montez Sweat, Chase Young, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Ryan Kerrigan, and Tim Settle will need to be elite this Sunday.

The defensive line needs to create pressure on Sunday. If they do, they’ll have a chance to contain the Lions’ offense.