The Detroit Lions' run defense has been one to behold this season, especially since the return of Alim McNeil to the starting lineup. Teams are averaging 99.7 rushing yards per game against the Lions' defensive front and their rock-solid linebacker core of Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone.
This is going to be key against a New York Giants squad that could be getting back one of their best rushers this season: their quarterback, rookie Jaxson Dart. Dart has been out a week with a concussion, which might have indirectly led to the firing of head coach Brian Daboll.
The recklessness with which Daboll managed Dart's previous head injury caused him to miss an outing against the Green Bay Packers. New York almost spoiled that game for Green Bay, and they're looking to do the same against Detroit on the road. And, Dart potentially being back for the contest could make that a legitimate threat.
Dart's potential return could shake up Lions' game plan
Dart might be discouraged from scrambling as much as he was before his concussion, especially since he's still getting the hang of sliding when done with a run as opposed to diving head-first into a pile of defenders in an open field.
Still, considering he's a rookie, he might not have absorbed that education by Week 12, and given how healthy the Lions' secondary is set to be for this game, he might be looking to get yards by any means necessary.
READ MORE: Latest Lions playoff picture proves they have the Bears right where they want them
Dart has 317 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns on the year, and looked like he could be competing in the Offensive Rookie of the Year award race before going down with his injury. He's looked like a great fit for New York as they wanted to take a developmental quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, and one that genuinely has promise.
Detroit is getting some major reinforcements back on defense for Week 12 in the form of linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez as well as cornerback D.J. Reed. That helps with their ability to control both the ground and air game from New York, but with Dart returning, it feels like the Lions might need to be more concerned about controlling their run game.
It's bad news for Dart that he's now the team's leading rusher with Skattebo out for the year. It's even worse news for the Giants coaching staff that wants to see him pass more and use his legs less. This game will call for just that, and it doesn't seem like Dart is going to be put in a good position to flex his best attributes thanks to the carelessness of Daboll.