An exclusive interview about the Lions with Jeff Risdon of “Side Lion Report”

Inside The Iggles: On offense, what do you expect to see from the Lions against the Eagles’ defense?

Risdon: With tight end Eric Ebron and running back Ameer Abdullah both out, the Lions offense is at a major disadvantage. Ebron is the top red zone target and his replacement is Cole Wick, an undrafted rookie from Incarnate Word with the agility of a rhinoceros who can’t block.

Matthew Stafford has been leaning on Marvin Jones, who has been better than expected and can get open both short and deep. Of course Jones is questionable this week, so that’s another monkey wrench.

The Lions offense is at its best in 11 personnel with Theo Riddick operating as a receiver out of the backfield. He’s lethal in space and the Lions do a good job of scheming to get him isolated in favorable matchups. When the defense cheats to Riddick, Stafford has been very good at finding Anquan Boldin or another receiver on the next layer. With Ebron out, I expect to see more of fullback Michael Burton to help in pass protection and to clear holes for Riddick and Zach Zenner. The offensive line is as good as Stafford has had in his 8 seasons but it’s still got some issues, namely immobile left guard Laken Tomlinson.