Section 215
Fansided

2018 NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Eagles barely hold off Falcons

By Dan Parzych

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 06: Jordan Hicks #58 and Chris Long #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate after sacking Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 06: Jordan Hicks #58 and Chris Long #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate after sacking Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

22. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions were in a great position towards the end of last season to earn a Wild Card spot in the NFC, only to watch it slip away, and eventually watch the playoffs from home, which also led to the eventual firing of Jim Caldwell. Hiring Matt Patricia with his defensive mindset seems like it’s going to be a great addition for the Lions as a team, but when it comes to the offense, all eyes will be on the strong supporting cast Matthew Stafford seems to have in the backfield.

Throughout his career, Stafford has always been the kind of quarterback that makes the players around him better, and while the receivers have benefitted the most, the Detroit quarterback hasn’t always received the best support in the backfield. Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick were expected to see plenty of action before the offseason got underway, but the key additions of a reliable veteran in LeGarrette Blount along with selecting rookie Kerryon Johnson in April should provide a much-needed boost as well.

If all goes well for Stafford, the stronger supporting cast in the backfield should result in less pressure under center for the Lions quarterback. It’s a new era in Detroit under Patricia, and it will be interesting to see if the Lions can start off on the right note with a favorable matchup against the Jets Monday night.

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