5 questions with Lions beat the writer

SANTA CLARA – What should the 49ers know about the Detroit Lions before Sunday's opening game at Levi's Stadium? If the 48-17 Lions defeats on Monday night against the New York Jets did not provide enough clues, here are five questions with Detroit News reporter Justin Rogers:

Is there a mutiny going on with veterans who are ready to start new coach Matt Patricia, even if a veteran worthy of the name should be upset after a 48-17 loss? And why does Patricia reserve her Bay Area media conference call until Friday?

Rogers: "There have been complaints among veterans, but we are far from a mutiny. Despite the loss suffered by the Jets, as ugly and pitiful as it is, almost everyone advocates patience in the process of revising the culture. Patricia is still good in her grace period, with her players and the front-office, but the time limit has probably been shortened after a grueling training camp that has made this result.

"As for the conference call, well, it's the same for Patricia. For all the discussion about his brilliant mind, he is extremely disorganized with weekday management of his responsibilities. The media schedules were broadcast at the last minute throughout the year and a few different people said in the building, these issues are not strictly limited to the media. "

What does Matthew Stafford do, both physically after shooting in the ribs and mentally after offering four interceptions to the Jets?

Rogers: "All you have to do is look at Matthew Stafford's starting sequence and you'll know he's as hard as they come. He made some bad moves on Monday night, especially after the left tackle Taylor Decker knelt down and former USC player Leonard Williams fired on the ribs.

"Stafford talked a bit about his condition during a radio interview this week. He said that the knee was hyper-extended, but it was more of a mental fear than anything else. As for the other shot, he sticks to the story, he only had the wind. If it's worse, like bruised ribs, it certainly would not be the first time he would face this condition. "

Can the 49ers expect Ziggy Ansah to help JimmyGaroppolo and, if not, what motivates the Lions' defense?

Rogers: "I'm answering that on Wednesday morning and the Lions will not train in front of the media until Thursday, so the honest answer is that I do not know if Ansah is playing Sunday. He suffered a shoulder injury in the first period against the Jets and has a history of problems with at least one operation as a professional.

"If Ansah is not here, the Lions defense is in danger. He is the only one to be able to constantly disrupt the pocket and does not have enough credit for his race defense, an area where the whole line is struggling to adapt to Patricia's strategy.

How is former linebacker Eli Harold used?

Rogers: "Sparingly." He played a total of nine points in the first game, which was probably more than expected given the depth of the situation in Detroit after Ansah's injury. Harold's work comes as a leading advocate.

"Lions are intrigued by Harold's length and his ability to use that. You know the story with his experience in San Francisco. He has never lived up to his potential, but with three coaches, coordinators and coaches, this can certainly hinder the development of a young player. Lions still have a few weeks to decide if they want to continue the project or go ahead and claim the seventh round pick that they have paid for it.

We've heard that Lions have a team of halfbacks, so how are they used and could we stay after the game in an exchange to strengthen the 49ers' body?

Rogers: "Just about everyone around these parties think that Ameer Abdullah would be a logical solution if both parties want to craft another craft. He had injury problems, but he is still capable and gifted with a double threat with great playing potential. He achieved a healthy tie in the first week, in favor of new additions, Kerryon Johnson and LeGarrette Blount.

"Johnson seems to be the truth, but the Lions are just watering him at this point. He was their best runner in the first game, and had a catch under the radar, one hand after most people had turned off the match. It deserves an expanded role. Apart from that, Blount provides power and Theo Riddick is a perfect third defender with more pro skills and more as a receiver off the field.

Prediction score: 49ers 27, Lions 20

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Here are the five questions Rogers asked about Lions:

It is easy to analyze the first week, but what was your biggest result of the defeat of the season against the Vikings?

In man: "Not only is Jimmy Garoppolo deadly (he was 7-0 as a career player before this" L "), but he still needs a more reliable support team. The 49ers took golden chances for Silence The Skol.

"Alfred Morris stumbled on the goal line. A young receiver (Kendrick Bourne) took the wrong direction for a pick-six Vikings. Injuries to the right guard had a training effect. And tight end George Kittle can not be crowned Gronkittle yet, not after dropping a bomb in midfield that could have been a potential TD of 80 yards.

"In simple terms, the 49ers are 0-1, as they are not yet ready to evolve in the 10-6 team that some (me) have imagined."

Jerick McKinnon was a big part of the off-season plan. How is it that the rotation of the backfield takes place without him?

In man: "McKinnon's ACL is torn a week before the season. He was the double threat dream of coach Kyle Shanahan. So now they are stuck with veteran Alfred Morris (70 career starts), also sharing time with Matt Breida (0 starts). This duo combined for a catch in the first match (a 5-meter by Breida). If this continues, the desperate demands of 49ers fans for Le'Veon Bell will be the same.

Richard Sherman played the 71 clicks against Minnesota. How was it and what was the performance sufficient to alleviate persistent concerns about last year's Achilles injury?

In man: "Sherman was a bright spot, and since arriving as a former sworn enemy of Seattle. He allowed an 18-yard lead on a double-throw, but he successfully defended the other pass that was offered to him. So Kirk Cousins ​​did not test it much.

"Sherman recovered a fumble and what he did after was healed: he ran to the sideline and handed it to Garoppolo, who took that turnover and led the 49ers to the Vikings 1 ). "