The Detroit Lions understand the magnitude of appearing in the postseason and working to erase a dubious moniker that has following the franchise for decades.
In the modern era, the Lions have only won a single playoff game.
One.
Sunday represents an opportunity to take another step forward in changing the perception that the Lions are a losing NFL team that often falls short of their goals.
“It’s a blessing, it’s definitely a blessing," Charles Harris told All Lions after practice this week. "We ain’t did nothing yet, still a whole other season so just looking forward to what comes with it. Take in every moment.”
This week, the team is going about their normal routines. An emphasis has been placed on trying not to allow the pressure to impact their ability to follow the game plan.
“Yeah, I think we’ve did it all season. Had a lot of primetime games. Every game is a big game," Harris said. "Also don’t want to make it too drastic, too much of a difference. Just try to do the best that you can in practice, in film study. That’s what everybody’s doing on this defense.”
Against a potent Rams offense, Detroit's defense must make sure not to allow their talented wideouts to get easily open.
“Just gotta make sure you’ve got good coverage, having corners and DB’s that’s challenging and not making it easy for receivers to get open running five-yard slants, five-yard out routes, quick digs. Just play good coverage," said Harris. "Also trusting aggressive looks where we have to get quick 5-0 sets. Make sure that you move, make sure you’re trying to win. Win fast, all that bull rushing ain’t gonna work because it’s not winning fast.
"It’s a challenge, man, it definitely is," Harris commented further. "A lot of different people, got a really good arsenal, got a really good run game. Just a matter of shutting down the run and getting to the quarterback. Matt, he’s a legend, he’s a legend of himself. So it’s obviously a challenge.”
Left guard Jonah Jackson relishes moments when there is an opportunity to prove that he is an asset, especially in a contract year.
“These are the moments you relish. Times like this, contract year where you’ve got to prove it, you’ve got to show them what you’re capable of and it’s a time where you do it," said Jackson. "So that’s exciting.”
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald is still a focal point of the defensive line, despite the emergence of Kobie Turner, who is among the most talented rookie defensive lineman in the NFL.
“He’s still got it. I don’t think it ever left," said Jackson, when asked about facing Donald this week. "You’ve gotta be on your P’s and Q’s, just like every other week. He’s a master of his craft and he knows how to win in different techniques and an array of moves. Everybody's human.”
Jared Goff, despite all the noise surrounding the team, has not changed his demeanor or his approach to facing an opponent.
Jackson noted, “Yeah. Definitely. Honestly, I haven’t taken notice of anything different (about Goff). I forgot this was (the Rams.) Same s**t, different day.”
The 26-year-old paid complements to Detroit's talented running backs, indicating they make the offensive line look good based on their unique talents.
“Just special. A 1-2 punch. They both can do finesse and bring a little power to the game," said Jackson. "We’re grateful that we have them. They say we make them look good, they make us look good too. So it’s huge having them back there.”
Wideout Josh Reynolds expressed Dan Campbell's message this week has been to lock in, as the "little details" can make the difference between winning and losing in the playoffs.
"Time to go. It’s playoff ball, big boy ball. It ain’t no time to lock in, we’ve been locked in," said Jackson. "It’s time to batten down the hatches, tighten up the screws. It’s those little details that ultimately get you those wins.”
Home environment at Ford Field
Alex Anzalone and Amon-Ra St. Brown both have made public requests for fans to raise their noise level this week, as the environment at Ford Field has the potential to be quite disruptive for opposing offenses.
“I know they’re gonna bring all the energy, I know they will. Couldn’t ask for nothing less," said Harris. "All this pent-up aggression they’ve had over the years, the pent up aggression we’ve had over the years, and putting it all out on the big stage. So it’s gonna be good.”
Jackson noted that based on how he has seen the fans support the team in the regular season, the environment will be insane and an environment the team is excited to play in this weekend.
"I can't imagine what it's gonna be like because that second game of the year was absolutely outrageous. Just about every home game has been outrageous," Jackson said. "But for the first playoff home game in 30 years with the division champs at the crib, I don't know, it's gonna be pretty insane. It's gonna be a good environment."
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