NFL Week 11: Offensive Keys To The Game Vs Philadelphia Eagles
If the Lions execute, they can tilt this heavyweight fight in their favor
What’s up, Lions Nation! Will Rock here with Rocked On Detroit Lions and Detroit Football Journal. Bringing you the most comprehensive breakdown of the Lions vs. Eagles matchup you’ll find anywhere. This weeks keys to the game submission will be three separate pieces with a bonus feature.
This Weeks Breakdowns & Analysis
Eagles Exposed - What The Detroit Lions Learned From MNF | 1 of 3
Offensive Keys To The Game | Detroit Lions Analysis | 2 of 3
Offensive & Defensive Keys To The Game | Philadelphia Eagles Analysis | 3 of 3
BONUS: How The Detroit Lions Neutralize Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Smith & Brown?
HISTORY
The last time these two teams met was Week 1 of 2023, when Detroit stunned Philadelphia with a motion-heavy attack that set the tone for their season. Two years later, the stakes are higher: both teams sit in the thick of the NFC playoff race, and this matchup could swing seeding in December.
Detroit enters Week 11 fresh off a statement win over Washington, where Dan Campbell’s takeover of play-calling unleashed the offense for 546 yards and 44 points. Jared Goff was surgical, Jahmyr Gibbs exploded for 172 total yards and three scores, and Jameson Williams finally emerged. The Lions never punted, scoring on all eight meaningful possessions. It was the most complete offensive performance of the Campbell era.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, remains one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams. Their defense is built on relentless pressure, generating heat on nearly 39% of dropbacks despite blitzing at one of the lowest rates in the league. The Eagles’ front, led by Jalen Carter and Haason Reddick, can collapse pockets quickly, and their secondary has tightened since the trade deadline.
Cracks exist in Philly’s armor: they’ve allowed the 19th-most yards to wide receivers and have been vulnerable to backs on perimeter runs.
The mission is clear: prove that last week’s offensive eruption wasn’t a one-off, but the new standard. To do that, they must marry Gibbs’ explosiveness with Goff’s rhythm passing, stress Philadelphia’s coverage rules with motion, and protect the pocket long enough to unleash vertical shots. If the Lions execute, they can tilt this heavyweight fight in their favor.
Keys to the Game
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Key #1: Gibbs on the Edge
Jahmyr Gibbs has rushed for at least 60 yards in six games this season, tied for fifth-most in the NFL. His efficiency is unmatched: 6.2 yards per carry between the tackles, 10.0 yards per carry from shotgun, and 8.3 yards per carry on outside runs over the last three weeks.
Philadelphia’s run defense ranks 19th, allowing 118.6 yards per game, and has already surrendered five games of 60+ yards to opposing lead backs. Detroit must feature Gibbs on perimeter runs and angle routes, forcing the Eagles’ linebackers into space where they’ve struggled.
Key #2: St. Brown in the Red Zone
Amon-Ra St. Brown leads the Lions in receptions (7.1 per game) and yards (77 per game), but his true value comes in the red zone. His 40.5% red-zone target share is the highest in the NFL, and he’s lethal against the blitz — Goff has targeted him 29 times under pressure, producing 281 yards.
Philadelphia’s defense thrives on pressure but blitzes sparingly, meaning St. Brown’s option routes and tight alignments can exploit mismatches inside the 20. Detroit must lean on him to finish drives.
Key #3: Williams’ Efficiency Shift
Jameson Williams has transformed since the Week 8 bye. His deep route rate has dropped from 20.4% to 11.3%, and his air yards per target have fallen by five yards — but his efficiency has skyrocketed. He now leads the team in yards per route (2.6) since Week 9, up from 1.4 earlier.
Against an Eagles secondary that allows nearly 150 yards per game to wideouts, Williams’ intermediate usage is the perfect counterpunch. Expect Detroit to isolate him with motion and condensed splits, then hit him on crossers and digs to punish Philadelphia’s safeties.
Key #4: Goff vs. Pressure
Jared Goff leads the NFL with a 74% completion rate, on pace for one of the best seasons in league history. He’s been blitzed on 33% of dropbacks, the sixth-highest rate, yet remains efficient when targeting St. Brown and LaPorta.
Philadelphia’s front generates pressure without blitzing, meaning Detroit’s tackles — Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, both playing through injuries — must hold up.
Protection: Max-protection concepts and play-action from under center can buy Goff the time he needs to attack in-breaking routes, where he leads the league in touchdowns (11) and passer rating (145.0).
Key #5: Motion and Tempo
Detroit used motion at the snap on 57.4% of plays last week, producing 10.1 yards per play — their highest rate of the season. Motion stresses Philadelphia’s coverage rules, particularly in man looks where Hurts has thrived offensively but the defense has been vulnerable. By combining motion with jumbo personnel, Detroit can dictate matchups, create leverage for Gibbs, and open vertical shots for Williams.
Tempo is critical: if the Lions score early, they can force Hurts into extended dropbacks, where his average time to throw (2.91 seconds) is among the slowest in the league.
Injury Front
Full Report: The Detroit Lions enter their primetime clash with Philadelphia battered but determined. Rookie corner Terrion Arnold has been ruled out with a concussion, leaving Detroit’s secondary thin alongside Kerby Joseph (knee) and D.J. Reed (hamstring), both still sidelined. Tight end Sam LaPorta, who has been Goff’s most reliable safety valve, will also miss the game with a back injury, forcing the Lions to lean on Brock Wright if he’s cleared. On the defensive front, Josh Paschal remains out, while Marcus Davenport is questionable with a shoulder issue, thinning the edge rotation behind Aidan Hutchinson.
The offensive line is bruised but expected to hold: Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are both nursing shoulder and ankle injuries yet trending toward playing, while Miles Frazier’s activation window remains open but uncertain. Special teams depth is also impacted with Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki questionable, potentially altering return duties. In short, Detroit faces the Eagles without several starters in the secondary and at tight end, with both tackles playing hurt, making protection and offensive creativity essential to offset the losses.
Detroit Lions Gameday Inactives List
LB Malcolm Rodriguez
DE Josh Paschal
CB Terrion Arnold
TE Sam LaPorta
OL Miles Frazier
Bottom Line
This game is a clash of strengths: Detroit’s motion-heavy, balanced offense against Philadelphia’s pressure-driven defense. The Lions can win by featuring Gibbs on the perimeter, leaning on St. Brown in the red zone, and unleashing Williams on intermediate routes. Protection is the hinge — if Goff has time, Detroit’s offense can replicate last week’s fireworks. If not, Philadelphia’s front will dictate the night.
Prediction: Lions 27, Eagles 21 — Detroit’s offensive rhythm and Gibbs’ versatility tilt the primetime showdown.
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