Detroit Lions Strategy and Personnel
by Sports Xchange
PLAYER NOTES
--QB Dan Orlovsky has missed four games with a broken thumb. He was encouraged after throwing Monday, but discouraged after his first throw Wednesday. He had more pain and swelling. He said he will not play Sunday against Minnesota and hopes he needs just one more week.
--QB Drew Stanton has missed one game with a concussion. He practiced Monday, but he was dizzy Wednesday and did not practice. He seems unlikely to play Sunday.
--DT Dewayne White has missed three games with a strained calf. He seems to be getting better but still has problems when he gets down and pushes off. He did not practice Wednesday, running on the side instead, and is doubtful for Sunday.
--DT Cory Redding (knee) did not practice Wednesday but is expected to practice Thursday and play Sunday.
--DT Chuck Darby (calf) did not practice Wednesday but is expected to practice Thursday and play Sunday.
--LB Alex Lewis ran on the side Wednesday but did not practice because of a chest injury.
--WR Shaun McDonald (ankle) was limited Wednesday but is expected to play.
--G Stephen Peterman (knee) was limited Wednesday but is expected to play.
--CB Keith Smith (groin) was limited Wednesday after missing three games. He might return.
--RB Kevin Smith (shoulder) was limited Wednesday but is expected to play.
GAME PLAN: The Lions must limit Adrian Peterson and pressure Gus Frerotte. In the teams' first meeting, Oct. 12 at the Metrodome, Peterson rushed for 111 yards but didn't really hurt the Lions. His longest run was 13 yards, and he fumbled twice - once inside the Detroit 10. The Lions sacked Frerotte five times, and aside from an 86-yard touchdown pass, he struggled. If the Vikings are missing defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams due to suspension, the Lions must take advantage by running the ball and keeping their defense off the field.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson vs. Lions' run defense -- Peterson is the NFL's leading rusher, and the Lions rank last in the league against the run. But Peterson did not dominate in the teams' first meeting, Oct. 12 at the Metrodome. He rushed for 111 yards, but no run was longer than 13 yards and he fumbled twice. The Lions must tackle well, and if at all possible, they must get to him in the backfield before he gets going.
Lions' interior offensive line vs. Vikings' defensive tackles: The Lions get back left guard Edwin Mulitalo (knee), center Dominic Raiola (hand) and right guard Stephen Peterman (knee), while the Vikings lose standout defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams because of suspension, assuming there is no injunction. Regardless, they must take advantage of the Vikings' missing Williams Wall, run the ball and control the clock.
INJURY IMPACT: The Lions likely will start two rookie defensive ends against the NFL's leading rusher, Adrian Peterson. With Jared DeVries (hand) on injured reserve and Dewayne White (calf) doubtful, Andre Fluellen will start at left end and Cliff Avril at right end. Ikaika Alama-Francis will rotate in on the left, Corey Smith on the right.
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