NFL Detroit Lions

Golden Tate Is Key To Detroit Lions Week 5 Victory

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By @DaveCuff

Golden Tate first down pose

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Golden Tate was one of the most underrated offseason additions in the NFL and he has already provided a great return. Calvin Johnson is easily the best receiver in the league, but it was clear he needed some help. In the past, when Johnson either couldn’t play or was limited to a few snaps, the Detroit Lions had almost no chance of coming away with a victory. With Tate, everything has changed. Johnson was barley on the field last week against the New York Jets, but Tate stepped up in a big way. He finished the game with 11 receptions for 116 yards and the offense didn’t miss a beat. This week against the Buffalo Bills, the Lions will need a similar performance from Tate.

Johnson is questionable for the game on Sunday and he will most likely be limited again if he does play. The Bills’ defense has been good this season, but they struggle against the pass. Going up against the 26th-ranked pass defense in the league, Matthew Stafford has to be chomping at the bits to air it out. Tate will once again be his primary target. Through four games, Tate is tied for 10th in the league for total receptions with 24 and his rapport with Stafford seems to get better every week. As bad as the Bills’ pass defense has been, their rush defense has been great this year. They are currently fifth in the league against the run and they won’t be facing a great rushing attack with the Lions. Detroit is 24th in the league running the football and will be without leading rusher Joique Bell, as well as third running back Theo Riddick. Reggie Bush will be getting the bulk of the carries with undrafted, second-year running back George Winn as the primary backup. Needless to say, the Lions will be airing it out early and often.

With the Lions sitting at 3-1 and first in the NFC North, they can’t afford to lose at home on Sunday. Buffalo is a solid team, but a team that Detroit should beat. If they want to come away victorious, Tate’s play will be a big factor. Whether Johnson is able to play or not, Tate can provide a mismatch against a below-average Bill’s secondary and have a second straight big game. The Lions’ biggest offseason addition has already paid dividends this season and he will continue to do so this Sunday against the Bills.

David Cuff is a University of Michigan Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DaveCuff, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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