Detroit Lions: Offensive Line Continues To Get Stronger

Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps the biggest bright spot and surprise of the Detroit Lions 2013 season was the fantastic play of the young offensive line.

Many however, maybe hesitant to buy into the fact that there is finally a reliable group of guys blocking up front. It was only one good season and tides tend to shift quickly in the NFL.

There is reason to expect good things again next season though.

Lions head coach, Jim Caldwell is pleased with the progress that the unit has continued to make in the teams strength and conditioning program, as reported by Justin Rogers of MLive.com.

"“Each of these guys were kind of put through the paces from a strength and conditioning standpoint, all during the spring,” Caldwell said. “We take measurables at the beginning, then at the end. The improvement among the group was extraordinary.”“You can tell they’re taking care of their bodies, watching what they eat, because our strength gains were great,” Caldwell continued. “Guys that needed to gain a little more muscle, gained the muscle that they needed. Guys that needed to trim down a little bit, did so. It’s an ongoing process, but these last few months have been incredible.”"

With starting left guard, Rob Sims unable to participate during organized team activities due to injury, youngster Rodney Austin has made the most of the opportunity. Austin spent the last season and a half on the teams practice squad, but has caught the eye of quarterback Matthew Stafford since getting first team reps.