Lions Bring Creative Attack to Miami for Week 9 Showdown

WHO:

detroitlions.com - Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said the increased use of 12- and 13-personnel formations was specific to the Vikings game plan, while leaving open using them again when appropriate for an opponent.

detroitlions.com - Lions returner DeAndre Carter was described by Tim Twentyman as a no-nonsense veteran who values ball security and a downhill return approach.

detroitlions.com - The Detroit Lions are preparing to play the Miami Dolphins; the Lions’ offense is led by quarterback Jared Goff and coordinator Drew Petzing, and Miami’s quarterback is Malik Willis.

detroitlions.com - Lions reporter Brooke Kirchhofer and lead writer Tim Twentyman discussed the matchup on the Official Detroit Lions Podcast with Dolphins ESPN reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques and Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams.

detroitlions.com - Lions players identified as possible “next man up” contributors included edge rushers Ahmed Hassanein and rookie Derrick Moore, and linebacker Derrick Barnes. Sione Vaki, Jahmyr Gibbs, and linebacker Jack Campbell were also discussed.

miamidolphins.com - Dolphins cornerback Chris Johnson described the matchup as “a real scrappy game” and “a dog fight physically.” Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez said Miami intended to play hard and follow a plan to win.

miamidolphins.com - Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley praised Goff’s toughness, accuracy, intelligence, and ability to make all throws; he called Detroit the NFL’s No. 1 offense.

WHAT:

detroitlions.com - Detroit used 11 personnel on 16 of 68 snaps against Minnesota; Sam LaPorta played 93% of snaps, Brock Wright 76%, and Tyler Conklin 31%. The Lions sometimes put LaPorta and Wright in the backfield to help protect against blitzes.

detroitlions.com - Twentyman said Detroit’s defense allowed just over 17 points per game across its last three games, compared with more than 34 per game across its first four.

detroitlions.com - The Lions signed linebacker K.J. Britt from New England’s practice squad, elevated Joe Bachie from their practice squad, and signed Owen Pappoe to their practice squad.

detroitlions.com - Vaki gained 65 rushing yards on 11 carries against Minnesota, earning trust from coaches and teammates.

miamidolphins.com - Miami entered the matchup after playing defending AFC champion New England; Detroit had beaten Minnesota, ending the Vikings’ undefeated start and dropping them to 6-1.

Pride Of Detroit - Detroit’s passing offense ranked first in EPA per pass (+0.21), fourth in passer rating (110.0), and seventh in yards per attempt (7.9). Miami’s pass defense ranked 32nd in passer rating allowed (119.5), yards per attempt allowed (8.3), dropback EPA (0.288), and success rate (53.7%).

Pride Of Detroit - Detroit’s pass protection allowed a 30.1% pressure rate; its pass-block win rate was 54%. Miami’s pressure rate was 35.6% for the season, but all nine of its sacks came in its last four games.

Pride Of Detroit - Detroit’s rushing offense ranked fourth overall and third in success rate (47.0%); Miami’s run defense ranked 26th. Miami allowed 3.8 yards per carry and a 43.9% rush success rate.

Pride Of Detroit - Miami’s offense ranked 26th in passer rating (79.7). Willis had a 9.2-yard average depth of target, the NFL’s highest deep-ball percentage (16.4%), and a 3.05-second time to throw.

Pride Of Detroit - Miami running back Ollie Gordon had 408 yards, 4.5 yards per carry, and four touchdowns; Willis had 225 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Pride Of Detroit - Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was highlighted against a Miami defense that had allowed tight ends 483 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

WHERE:

detroitlions.com - Detroit is traveling to Florida to play Miami.

WHEN:

WHEN omitted because the articles’ dates are not future dates.

WHY:

detroitlions.com - Detroit’s heavier personnel helped keep Minnesota’s defense off guard before the snap by making defenders guess who would protect and who would be eligible in coverage.

detroitlions.com - Detroit’s “next man up” approach is relevant after players stepped up against Minnesota; Williams said the team rallied and played for Campbell.

miamidolphins.com - Miami players said team chemistry and cohesion had strengthened, particularly among its young roster.

HOW:

Pride Of Detroit - Detroit’s preview assessed the matchup across passing and rushing offense and defense, citing season statistics and player availability. It noted Campbell’s absence, possible cornerback D.J. Reed’s absence, and that Brian Branch appeared on track to play.

miamidolphins.com - Dolphins special teams coordinator Chris Tabor said Miami would seek to improve field position and make Detroit drive longer distances.

Detroit visits Miami, where the Dolphins face Jared Goff’s league-leading offense and a vulnerable pass defense. Miami quarterback Malik Willis brings a deep-ball threat, while the Lions’ defense has recently tightened. Detroit’s heavier formations may return, and tight end Sam LaPorta faces a favorable matchup.