Lions vs. 49ers: 5 key X-factors for San Francisco in Week 2
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Containing Detroit’s Wide Receivers
Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter doesn’t like to run the ball. It’s hard to recall the last time Detroit had a potent rushing attack with Matthew Stafford at the helm.
While falling behind early to the Jets in Week 1 helped negate a strong would-be ground game, the fact the Lions rushed for only 39 yards last Monday tells you just how small a threat this dimension of their offense is.
No, Stafford and the Lions will try to air things out on Sunday in Santa Clara. As Niner Noise’s Aaron Tan pointed out earlier this week, the 49ers cornerbacks will be up for a tough task given the number of coverage reps they’ll play against a pass-happy Detroit offense.
Tan wrote:
"Detroit’s strongest position is, by far, wide receiver. Their starting corps of Golden Tate, Marvin Jones Jr. and Kenny Golladay all provide great options to throw to for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was uncharacteristically terrible against the Jets. … All of these three receivers will prove as big threats to the Niners cornerbacks, who all played a solid game in Week 1 against Minnesota. [Richard] Sherman only allowed a single catch, and No. 2 corner Ahkello Witherspoon played well despite allowing a long touchdown reception to Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Slot cornerback K’Waun Williams got beat early by Vikings’ receiver Adam Thielen, but quickly rebounded and played a great game for the rest of the afternoon."
Witherspoon gave up a touchdown after not turning his head around on a play. Consider that a teachable moment. Williams and Sherman each gave up a catch but were largely effective containing their respective assignments thereafter.
All that said, the Lions may come out in Week 2 with a little bit of grudge and frustration to vent. A suspect Niners secondary — one that includes some notable injuries — could keep Detroit in this contest.