Lions play Saints Saturday night at 8 p.m. on NBC
Posted by ttwentyman on January 1, 2012 – 10:58 pmThe Lions will play the Saints in New Orleans at 8 p.m. Saturday night on NBC.
Here is the schedule for the opening round of the playoffs this weekend:
SATURDAY
4:30 PM — Cincinnati at Houston (NBC)
8 PM — Detroit at New Orleans (NBC)
SUNDAY
1 PM — Atlanta at NYG/DAL winner (FOX)
4:30 PM — Pittsburgh at Denver (CBS)
Posted in Lions Insider Tim Twentyman | 49 Comments »
By Rob on Jan 1, 2012 | Reply
WELL, today’s loss sucked. But, The Lions have a great chance to go to NO and beat the Saints Saturday. Win that game and it is back to Green Bay! The first two games against GB mean NOTHING now. I will take a win in two weeks over a win today… any day!
By ashevillain on Jan 1, 2012 | Reply
good luck
By Duane Hoisington on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Mathew Stafford lacks a good running back and 2 decent corners…they need to be able to man up on defense. He is definitely a winner. Also they need a left
tackle. I have been a Lions fan since the Bobby Lane days. I’m hoping to see them play in the Super Bowl before I die.
By Duane Hoisington on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
I need to correct a spelling error “Bobby Layne”.
By Daniel on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
How can the Lions beat New Orleans?
By StaticDean on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
GOOD LUCK LIONS! Step It up defense!
By James B on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Making the trip from Denver… need to see lots of Lions fan in attendance!
By omarv on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
I like this matchup against the saints. Against the giants we would lose. Them beating the cowboys tonight. Our d-line needs to get to Brees and keep Graham in front of us.
By Smitty01 on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Play smart and we can get it done!
By fairfred99 on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Better luck next year Lions, the Saints are just too much for you to handle
By David on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
I cannot wait for Saturday Night. Win or lose, it’s gonna be great and it will only get better from here. Congratulations Lions! Now go do that voodoo that you do, SO WELL!
By Kirk on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
STOP THE PENALTIES!!!!!!!
By lionnuts on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
At first I like most Lions fans I was hoping to avoid the Saints in the Wild Card round. I know this team is better than the performance we witnessed in Green Bay. The Lions earned there way into the playoffs. Unlike some teams that “backed” there way in. When the Lions played the Saints in December penalties were a huge factor in that 31-17 lose. Go out and play smart Football and step up the Defense. We can win this game. By the way, Suh did not play this previous game with the Saints. Get after Brees Suh! GO LIONS!
By lionnuts on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
*LOSS
By danny webb on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
penaltys …… we are better than most but the dam penaltys just keep flowing,if we can keep them out of the mix we will win go lions
By Eddie Bell on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Do to defense, don’t to penalties = We Win.
By Jeff Biddinger on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Stop the stupid mistakes and play smart…we can match the Saints output.
The defense needs to apply more pressure and we can win.
By James Gasta on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
If the Lions are to have a chance at winning this game, they will have to play mistake free football, no penalties, blown assignments, etc. They gave up some pretty huge plays to Green Bay and they can ill afford to do that with the Saints.
By Diehard Lion Fan on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Very hopeful But it will be a tuff road, that said PUT YOUR A GAME ON BOYS ROOOOOAOAOASAAAAAAAAAARARRRRR
By "Mystikal" Michael Riley on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
I want to direct the following response to Coach Jim Scwartz; I hope he reads this!!! THis Saturday night, the writing is on the wall, and it has become CRYSTAL clear, if we are to have any chance to be the Already one time Superbowl Champs New Orlean Saints, we MUST do the following: First, we HAVE to switch up defensive styles. We should go to a 3-2-6 0r 4-2-5 PRESS coverage against the Saints. In as much asI love our defensive line against anyone in the NFL (Whom I affectionately dubbed the “$ Horsemen of the Apocoblitz”) THe Saints have the luxary of having one of the best OL in all of football and do a fantastic job protecting Brees. We are not going to get to Brees as much as we would like, however by switching defenses we can (Hopefully) shut down Brees’s favorite targets of Coles, Spolls, and TE Jimmy Graham, leaving Devery Henderson to beat us. Hopefully, by being in press coverage, we can put some pressure on Brees into some errant throws. Furthermore the defense HAS to play oppurnustic MISTAKE FREE football!!! That means Ndamukong Suh who is the heart and soul of The Lions “D” must play like it and leave the “Thugonomics” and Stupidity at home!!!! Maybe Switching Suh around constantly on the D line and constant substituting will help further disrupt the Saints OL and Brees.
Secondly, we MUST go BIG, and attack IMMEDIATELY when we have the ball, we have to get to the SAINTS Defense before they can settle in for the game. It’s no secret the Saints Defense isn’t Pittsburgh or Baltimore, BUT!!! They do Have Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams, and he is one of the best at putting a game plan together at shutting down one demensional offenses, again he’ll put the clamps on Calvin Johnson, which means the emphasis is going to switch to Nate Burleson (No stupid pushing off penalties this time around okay Nate?!?!) and Titus Young and Brandon Pettigrew are going to have to really step up!!! Best way to plot our air attack is use Calvin as a decoy……and….
We MUST run the damned ball!!! We have to get the ball to Kevin Smith on a frequent basis, so we aren’t so one demensional, and also leaving that Saints defense on the field (And of course Brees and company off of it) This is what I feel will be the most impairative of the game. We have to keep the Saints defnse on the field and wear them out!!! Then we can put the finishing touches on them!!!
Finally, we must whether the emotional storm that will be coming. The Saints are playoff tested, and of course, the Lions are not. The Superdome is going to be highly charged. What the Lions have to remember is two things; The Saints beat us 31-17, so they may take us “Lightly” or not as seriously, and two, The Saints DIDN’T BEAT us, we BEAT OURSELVES!!! In a game without Suh we had the one time champs on the ropes, w/o all those stupid penalties, the out come might have been different!!! Stafford has to play SMART football, and not let his emotions get the best of him, just treat this like “another game” and of course we have to make the neccasary adjustments at half time…..If we can somehow, someway dominate both sides of the ball, score immediately, then settle into some semblance of a running game, if Suh stays cool and keeps his head in the game, and Stafford keeps a level head (All of which I realize is a tall order indeed! and may be a little overwhelming) Then yes, I do see the Lions pulling this one out. Good luck Coach Scwartz, and GO GET THEM LIONS!!!!!!! (When those Saints fans utter that stupid chant “Who dat” we can say DETROIT that’s who!!!!) My prediction: Lions get it together and play the game of their lives, and go on to the second round. 38-28 Lions.
By Dean Ford on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Hey dushabg Rayola, quite beating people up before games, and focus on your false starts, and we might win this game.
By Mike on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
I believe the Lions will win the Supper Bowl!!!!!!!!
*********************Just have Faith******************
By Don Groeneveld on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
plan to watch the Lions shock the world by beating the Saints and earning a chance for redemption following week back at Lambeau. GGGOOOO LIOOONS
By stormin norman on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Well the Stafford-Sanchez debate is definitly over.Go show off that incredable ability at the saints. If i don’t see some blitzes in this game i am shooting the tv.
By mike wright on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Loins can win the frist round @ new orleans they must play smart ball Suh stay in control we need you to show the world that you are one of the best D players in the playoffs.
By Ralph on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Lions played a good game, but they do need to step it up against New Orleans.
By KJ on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
…Rayola, quite (you mean quit?) beating people up before games?
——————————————————————————–
His name is Raiola. Its spelled out for you on this very page and his name is on the back of his jersey if you watch the games. He also happens to be one of the leaders of this team. No Lion plays with more heart week in and week out and no Lion wants to win more. He may not be perfect, but If you got a problem with him sticking up for his teammate then you’re the douche bag (or dushabg as you put it).
By Christine on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Just kick some butt!! Pressure on Brees.. Take the Defense out of the saints!! Make them (Saints) have a really BAD Day. We can win!!!
By ashevillain on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Stafford’s numbers are very comparable to Brees except for completion % (which is where the difference in yardage really comes from).
The two team defenses are very comparable as well. NO gave up a few more yards, DET gave up 3 more points per game.
My crystal ball tells me the deciding factors in this game will be:
- PLAY-ACTION PASSING – NO is the most successful team in the NFL at play-action. Why? Not just because they have one of the league’s top rushing attacks…but because they can rush at you so many different ways and their RB’s are great receivers overall. They have what I like to call a “plug and play offense.” It doesn’t matter who they plug in…everyone can do almost everything. I’m not positive on this one but I think they have one of the smallest % of rushes with 2RB + 2TE sets. They pass in typical run sets A LOT. Graham and Sproles are #1 and #2 in targets on the team. Stafford, on the other hand, rarely runs play-action. He was one of the NFL’s most prolific pocket passers…which leads me to my 2nd point ->
- BLITZING – One reason Stafford was so successful this season is that he was blitzed on the smallest % of drop-backs of any QB. NO blitzes more than any defense. Stafford will be tested that’s for sure. It would help dramatically if the Lions could break off a few big run plays early in the game and if Schwartz would call some roll-outs or screen passes. I have a feeling those 1-step drop/quit hit passes and reverses to Burleson aren’t going to cut it as a replacement for a running game.
GO LIONS! Overcome the odds!
By Johnny from Portage Lake on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Very disappointed with the Green Bay game guys. But that doesn’t mean this next game can’t be a huge victory for the team and all Lions fans! Defense has to be there the whole 60 minutes cause Brees is very dangerous every minute of the game. Stafford just keep playing your game brother can’t ask you for much more than your doing. Penalties have been a problem but are disappearing fast. Just keep your heads in the game and remember to bring this victory home for the so deserving die-hard LIONS FANS!!!!!! GOOOO LIONS!!!!!!!
By B.J. on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Loins and lions fans…… I hate to say it but this is the end of the road for you guys. Even with Suh in the game, you still stand no chance against the saints!!! Saturday you will see that for yourselfs!!! I say I hate to see that because I myself pull for the lions when they aren’t playing against my Saints because of one guy named Stephen Peterman, #66 in your programs, I played High School ball with peterman and wish him nothing but the best but GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!
By KW on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
X2 on that one KJ!!! Raiola is the heart and soul of the offensive line and has earned where he is at playing his heart all those dismal years. He is the one that works hard on keeping the team focused on the sideline. Just ask Young and most recently Schwartz to name just a few!
By lionheart on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
i would like to know who the officials will be for the saints game, and by the way stafford passed for 6 touch downs not 5 but who got all glory kick some ass and show the the nfl we can win even when the refs and the rest of nfl including goodell says we can,t blitz blitz blitz
By MIKE Bloise on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
I already know that the Lions will lose to the Saints..There Secondary on defense is non-existant…Next season the LIons need to invest of getting Secondary talent… I’m going to bet against the Lions and win a whole lot of cabbage this coming weekend!…
By homer80 on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Say Goodnight sweet Prince…. Lookin forward to next year for a change…
By Perry on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
1969 super bowl New York Jets was underdog won the super bowl will be same idea as Detroit Lions will win 2012 Super Bowl !!!! I feel bad for my dad he is still waiting for Lions will win super bowl for years. he remember 1957 Lions won the championship. Let’s go Detroit Lions!!!! I believe Detroit players can do it !!!! keep faith!!!!
By TheFordGuy on Jan 2, 2012 | Reply
Let me tell you about my Australian Football team the Geelong Cats sponsered by the Ford Motor Company for the last 77 years a record in its self. Prior to 2007 my club had not won a Premiership (Super Bowl) for 44 years, they were in big trouble financially, in debt for millions and millions, the supporters had all but given up. Sounding familliar yet? My Cats have won 3 of the last 5 Premierships, broken a bunch of club records and made history in our game!, Its Outstanding just to be a supporter in these times.Now I admit, i have only followed the Lions for the last 2yrs but i see similar things here, and i get exited for you guys, i know what it meant to the town of Geelong.when they won so get fired up Detroit! get loud and proud! “GO LIONS”
By Greg on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
This game will be a good & close game if the Refs don’t blow it for either team, I think that the Lions could most deffinitly play & keep up with the Saints. Last time the Lions played the Saints the Refs clearly favored the Saints, it seems like when any team goes & plays in the superdome, that the away team always gets tic-tac penelties called on them, just like Green Bay dose when they play at home ( hint like sundays game when Titus Young caught a touchdown pass which was called a no catch by the Refs) To make a long story short, the Lions got a really big chance if the Refs call the game the same both ways. I would hate to be watching the game end by a no call or a call that should had been made by the Refs. LETS GO LIONS!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!! TIME TO SHOW THE WORLD WHAT YOUR MADE OF.
By KenWeGo4it on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
I would like to see the defense set up more stunts, LB blitzes, Jam WR’s more often to stop timing routs. I love to watch the offense run crossing patterns, majority of the time TE’s or WR’s will be open for good yardage. Just my 2 cents worth. Lets kick some Saints butts and get ready for the next win.
By bigdick69 on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
lions are gonna win 49 – 16, the saints are overrated as hell
By Rob Leonard on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
Go Lions! Lets show the Saints who’s King Of The Jungle!
By d on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
Lions will win this game by 10.Go Lions!
By Debbie on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
All I can say is go out there and show them Saints What the Motorcity is made of! Kick there a**es right out of the SuperDome!! Go Lions the Motorcity is behind you all the way!!!!
By dae on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
Upset the Saints: I’ll be hoping this comes true but the skeptical side that watched the defense get strafed by Flynn last week along with the earlier game against Brees doesn’t see that happening.
By jeffa on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
I agree Raiola is the heart and soul of the team, Dean is a douche bag. Any way the only chance the lions have at victory is gonna be similar to last nights rose bowl. I hope the lions dont end up like the badgers and run out of offensive gas, because the saints will score like Oregon. Anyone who thinks the lions defense can stop the saints is not realistic. However if they continue their offensive groove they are in they might be able to keep up.
By detlions80 on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
I’d like to see Gun and Linehan take a few chances. Put it out there and go for it. Ds gonna have to step up and the 9-81 connection is gonna have to be there. This game is totally within our grasp if we play with confidence and poise. Personal fouls = losing i.e. N.O.game a couple weeks ago.
By Mike on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
Win or lose. The Detroit Lions have great players, coaches and a head coach in Jim Schwartz that have brought pride back to Detroit and its fans!! It’s finally a real treat to watch them display their talents and passion for the game!! GO LIONS!!!!
By Lolita Sweet December on Jan 3, 2012 | Reply
@Jeffa; you’re right; about lions defense stopping; the saints.
Drew Brees; honestly; throws the ball effortlessly; and that’s scary and the rest of their offense is pretty good. Brees moves around in the pocket alot; and has eyes on the back of his head; but; Stafford and Lions offense is still amazing and explosive (and a few of them were drafted only a few years ago)
That damn game on Sunday night; weeks ago; *should* have been a tied game; but Lions kept giving themselves penalties; and any of those teams could have won barely with a field goal squeezed at the last minute.
I am excited; but won’t lie; I am terrified. Lions; may be good; but they are even better and giving themselves penalities; which makes them lose games; and Saints; to put on top of that are an incredibly amazing team; they will rip you apart when you make mistakes. I don’t see how this shouldn’t be a close game nonetheless; but this isn’t going to be an easy game; because the Saints don’t roll over for anyone.
By Detroit Lions #1 on May 2, 2012 | Reply
That game really ticked me off….