Lions expert answers 4 burning questions as Eagles get ready to for Sunday Night Football

Lions expert Mike Payton weighs in on what Philly should expect in Week 11.

Kelsey Kramer, Mike Payton
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Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs against the Lions during the first half on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, at Ford Field. Nfl Philadelphia Eagles At Detroit Lions
Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK

The Philadelphia Eagles head into Week 11 with a 7-2 record after barely taking down the Green Bay Packers, 10-7, on Monday Night Football.

Next up, they’ll shift their focus to the 6-3 Detroit Lions for a primetime Sunday Night Football clash.

It’s a marquee NFC matchup drawing plenty of attention, as both teams entered last season as Super Bowl contenders, before the Eagles ultimately went on to win it all.

Ahead of Sunday night’s kickoff, Lions expert and “Moon Man” Mike Payton helps break things down by answering four key questions.

1. How has the Lions offense changed since Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties?

I think the best way to explain it would be to say that the Lions have gotten back to basics on offense. They were trying to do too many things and get a little bit too exotic, and now they’re sticking to what they know. Run the ball to set up the pass. The one thing Campbell really added was Jameson Williams. John Morton really wanted to utilize him to stretch the field, whereas Campbell is using him in crossers and areas where he could add yards after the catch.

2. Defensively, what’s the weakest spot that the Eagles offense can take advantage of?

It’s really going to depend on who’s healthy. If Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph can’t play, then the Eagles would be wise to attack the secondary as much as they possibly can. The other thing is, while the Lions have been good about keeping teams out of the red zone, they struggle once teams get there. The Lions have allowed 30 red zone trips, and they’ve only been able to keep teams out of the end zone on 10 of those trips.,

3. What key players can the Lions expect to have back this week that Philly should be warned about?

Malcolm Rodriguez should be back for this game, but he’s likely to be on some sort of snap count. Right now, all eyes are on Arnold, who is in concussion protocol, and Kerby Joseph, who has been dealing with a knee injury for the last few weeks. Neither practiced on Wednesday.

4. Give us your final score prediction.

I think this could be a low-scoring game with both of these defenses playing pretty well right now, but I have to go with the team that has the better defense and offense, and that’s the Lions. 24-21.

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