Heads against Lions: five questions to the enemy

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Editor's note: We welcome as a contributor Mike Payton of Pride of Detroit – our sister site covering the Detroit Lions – for "Five questions to the enemy" as we head to the fourth week game Kansas City Chiefs and the Lions, to be held in Detroit Sunday at noon, Arrowhead time.

1) Lions fans are on top with Detroit coming in with a 2-0-1 record. What was the most important factor that led to a good start?

It's really a combination of several things: Matthew Stafford, a new offensive, a stronger defense and a good old-fashioned good luck. The Lions have been universally known for being the team that succeeds in defeating victory. They have so often lost games that they should have won by making mistakes. This season is the opposite. They are there and find ways to win.

At a time when everyone judges teams based on the number of points they can score in a game, I think the idea of just finding ways to win is always a viable thing in this league . I think, more than anything, explains this team.

2) WR Kenny Golladay is the most targeted player on this team. In your eyes, did he take the next step? What is the role of Marvin Jones?

Golladay began to take this step by necessity last season when Lions lost almost all of their recipients a few weeks apart. So far this season, he has continued to take that step. But last Sunday in Philadelphia, he had the worst game of his career with many attempts and mistakes. I think there is still room to grow.

As for Marvin Jones, he had a good game in Philadelphia. He also missed a bit. That's not to say that he took a step back. Lions use every player in the team who has the ability to catch the ball in his attack. Golladay is the only player who seems to be very focused.

For my part, I love this tactic. This allows Stafford to track his progress and find the right receiver rather than trying to force something.

3) Who is an offensive player within the Detroit Lions that more people should know? Why?

Danny Amendola is a name that everyone obviously already knows. But I do not think anyone in Detroit thought that Amendola would be used in the way it has been used so far.

The signature looked like one that would just put a guy on the list to come in from time to time. But Amendola proved that he still had it and that he had become a favorite target for Stafford in important situations.

4. What has been the most important factor for the defending Lions this season? Why?

This is the secondary. They certainly have a defensive front touted on paper, but they have not really found their rhythm as a unit. They seem to be getting better week after week.

Secondary school, on the other hand, has been special. Football Outsiders explained that the Lions had one of the best league units this season, and that Justin Coleman was frankly the best corner of the NFL this season. PFF noted it at 72.7 now. It turned out to be a very good signature.

The safety teams Tracy Walker and Quandre Diggs have clashed this season as well and Darius Slay is still one of the best corners in the league. In the last eight games, no corner allowed a percentage of achievement lower than Slay at 26.3%.

5) Is it crucial for Slay to be 100% healthy on Sunday? If, for any reason, he can not or must not leave the game because of his hamstrings, who will be the next player in the running?

I think the last answer tells you everything you need to know about the importance of Slay. He is part of the Lions defense and the quarterbacks do not usually like to test him. He has been restricted to practice all week, but should go.

If he can not, it's up to Rashaan Melvin to take the place and Mike Ford to take his place. Melvin looked pretty good this season as number two. But I do not think he has the speed and the ability to take the lead and make a big difference. Mike Ford is good in some situations. But for the most part, if he's there, Mahomes is going to hit him.

Bonus: How is this game played?

The leaders will win. Lions always have this opportunity to play even the best teams at their level. In the end, I think that's how they can beat the Chiefs if they have to. But this team of leaders is so good that I just do not think the Lions are able to play it that way.

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