Detroit Lions: Takeaways through two preseason games
By Rick Galda
Early take on Detroit Lions through preseason games against the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets.
It’s two weeks into the Detroit Lions‘ 2017 preseason slate and there are several important things I have noticed.
– Matthew Stafford looks sharp, accurate, in control of his offense, and most importantly healthy. The finger issues that plagued him last year seem resolved.
– The secondary looks good. Admittedly against poor competition, but all parts seem to be clicking.
– The offensive line is a work in progress. With all offensive lines, cohesion is very important. This unit has absolutely none. That comes with time. Unfortunately, it also has lost its anchor. When Taylor Decker went down, so to did the Lion’s chances for success. How much remains to be seen and is dependent on…
-The running game What do the Lions have at running back? Theo Riddick is a proven commodity capable of catching 60 plus balls out of the backfield given the opportunity. Ameer Abdullah is the question mark. If he’s healthy he can be a between the tackles north-south back with the creativity and misdirection Detroit hasn’t seen in years. But the durability of Abdullah and the line will dictate the ultimate success of the Lion’s running game.
Next: What Lions' 2-0 start to preseason really means
The Lions have the possibility of going 11-5 this year, however they can just as easily go 6-10. While trending in the right direction, one cannot help but wonder if the typical Lions will regress yet again. So much of their success depends on the ability of a rebuilt offensive line to mesh quickly, remain healthy, and give Matthew Stafford and Lions fans an efficient running game.