The Lions knocked the Los Angeles Rams out of the playoffs last season. The Rams will return to Detroit for the Sunday night opener eager to start another Super Bowl mission.
It could be viewed as a payback game for some of the Rams, but quarterback Matthew Stafford downplayed the revenge factor against his former team.
“To me, it’s the start of something brand new, something totally different,” Stafford said. “I’m excited to start this season off. It is, no doubt, a big challenge to go play their team in that environment. It’ll be a test for us and something to look forward to.”
Stafford has a dynamic duo at wide receiver in Puka Nacau and Cooper Kupp. Kyren Williams emerged as the lead back last season and he’ll have a quality backup in former University of Michigan workhorse Blake Corum, who was drafted in the third round.
The Rams’ defense has a big hole to fill. Perennial All-Pro lineman Aaron Donald retired after the 24-23 loss to the Lions in January.
“You’re not ever replacing an Aaron Donald and that’s not what we’re asking of our guys,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “We were so fortunate and blessed to have such a special player in Aaron Donald. What I thought was cool was he set a great example for guys who saw him play.”
Despite Donald’s absence, Lions coach Dan Campbell believes the Rams present an even bigger challenge than last season.
“This to me is a better team than what we faced last year, just looking at their personnel coming in,” Campbell said. “I feel like this is a better offensive line, I feel like this is a better D-line. I understand they lost Donald, but what I think they gain is youth and collectively, that front is – I’ve said it before, they’re young, they’re hungry, they’re high motor. They’re going to push us.”
Detroit returns most of the same offensive starters from last season with one notable loss. Offensive lineman Jonah Jackson signed with the Rams as a free agent.
The Lions rely on the 1-2 punch of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in the running game, though Gibbs missed a good chunk of training camp with a hamstring injury. He said there is no injury concern and plans to play in the opener.
Jared Goff has an elite No. 1 receiver in All-Pro selection Amon Ra St. Brown with second-year tight end Sam LaPorta helping drive the passing attack. Third-year receiver Jameson Williams is expected to have a breakout season after scoring two touchdowns in the NFC Championship game against San Francisco.
Detroit made numerous changes on the defensive line and secondary to upgrade a defense that allowed the sixth-most passing yards (247.4 per game) in the NFL last season.
Cornerbacks Carlton Davis, acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay, and first-round draft pick Terrion Arnold will get tested in a big way in their debut with the Lions.
“I know Stafford’s got a lot of trust in both of those guys (Nacua and Kupp),” Campbell said. “I thought Puka had a hell of a game last year against us (nine receptions, 181 yards, TD). He really, he made plays all over the field. So, it’ll be a challenge, but I know this, our guys are looking forward to this. They really are. I know Arnold’s excited, first one. He’s ready to go. He does not lack confidence.”