Lions stars should shine bright Sunday

Today’s game should be a perfect matchup for the Lions.

Following a disappointing loss to the 49ers, the Lions draw the Titans, who rank 31st in defense and are tied for 23rd in offense.

In most cases it’d be hasty to judge a team after two games, but so far the Titans have looked thoroughly unimpressive.

If the Lions find a rhythm on offense, and the defense plays like it did in Week 1 against the Rams, this could turn ugly quickly.

The Lions will likely run the ball often and want to see how Mikel Leshoure performs in his first NFL game. He was announced as the starter ahead of Kevin Smith before the game, though they will likely split carries.

If the Lions can establish the run, it will be easy picking for quarterback Matthew Stafford against a secondary that couldn’t slow Tom Brady of Philip Rivers in the first two weeks. And wide receiver Calvin Johnson is due for a big game and said he should be able to exploit the Tennessee secondary.

On defense, the Lions first have to contain running back Chris Johnson. Even though he’s struggled to start the year (19 carries for 21 yards), Johnson can still break one and change the game with one play.

The Lions will also try to keep pressure on second-year Titans quarterback Jake Locker. The return of starting cornerbacks Chris Houston and Bill Bentley should give the defensive line more time to break through the line.

Unless the Lions fall for the trap game, this has the makings of a blowout.

Here is the list of Lions inactives: Tight end Tony Scheffler (knee), defensive end Lawrence Jackson (calf), quarterback Kellen Moore, safety Louis Delmas (knee), linebacker Travis Lewis (quad) and offensive tackles Jason Fox and Corey Hilliard.