The Lions’ pass defense will be tested in its Week 10 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Going into Sunday, the Chargers, led by Pro Bowler Justin Herbert under center, have thrown for the 11th-most yards (1,919) and the seventh-most touchdowns (14).
Meanwhile, the Lions have given up the 18th-most yards through the air (1,761) and the 12th-most passing touchdowns (11).
To no surprise, through eight games, Herbert's go-to target has been veteran receiver Keenan Allen. Allen has accumulated 62 receptions for 720 yards and four touchdowns thus far this season.
On top of that, Allen, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, is averaging 90.0 yards a game, and has earned an 83.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. It's the 12th-best mark among all qualified receivers. The receiver directly ahead of him is Detroit's own Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has garnered an 83.6 overall mark from PFF.
Additionally, each of the last two weeks, Allen has caught eight balls, and has amassed at least 69 yards, while hauling in at least 80 percent of his targets.
There's no doubt that Herbert and Allen have established a solid rapport with one another. And, because of it, Allen is on pace for a 1,530-yard receiving campaign, which would be a career-best season for the 11th-year pro.
Fair to say, the savvy veteran will be a handful for the Lions’ defense to contain on Sunday.
It is expected that Detroit cornerback Cam Sutton will log the majority of the one-on-one reps with Allen.
Going into this Week 10 contest, Sutton has recorded just one pass defensed, and has failed to tally a single interception. He's also allowed a passer rating against of 92.1.
None of those marks are indicative of a defensive back who is thriving in pass coverage. However, to Sutton's credit, he has limited opponents to a 55.3 percent completion percentage against him.
So, it hasn't been all bad for him in his debut campaign with the Lions.
“They’re going to put (Allen) in positions to win by what they think that – the odds say you’re playing this coverage, by this situation,” Dan Campbell said of facing the star Chargers wideout. “They’re going to find a way to get (Allen) matched up, and he’s done a pretty good job of winning those one-on-ones when you give him the right matchup.”
I believe that Allen will get the best of Sutton and Detroit's other defensive backs, such as Jerry Jacobs, in one-on-one work Sunday. And, with that said, I have Allen finishing with at least six catches and 70 yards in this must-see Week 10 matchup.
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