Detroit Lions: Mixed reviews for the offensive line in week 1

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Matthew Stafford
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Matthew Stafford /
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Dwayne Washington #36 of the Detroit Lions dives with the ball in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Dwayne Washington #36 of the Detroit Lions dives with the ball in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field on September 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The right side of the Lions’ offensive line

The right side of the Lions offensive line was significantly better. T.J. Lang ranked the leagues top ten guards on PFF’s list as of Monday morning. He showed the nimble feet and veteran savy that the team expected when they signed him. Lang erased all concerns about his missed time in the preseason. He was ready. Whatever the Lions asked of him was accomplished.

He slid down the line while Swanson and Glasgow fell back into the lane of the running back. Lang was out in front of screens to Golden Tate, blocking a man ten yards downfield. He moved to challenge stunts, and did his job obstructing the end crashing inside by getting in the way. When Stafford stepped up in the pocket to buy time, his initial step was almost always in Lang’s direction.

Rick Wagner is one of PFF’s top five performers at the tackle position. He too was often way out in front of running plays that were dying in the backfield. His incredible kick slide was on full display. and when the pass rusher would cut inside, Wagner exploded forward to drive his man out of Stafford’s face.

Wagner’s play was the opposite of Robinson’s. Whereas on the blind side the pass protection was touch and go, on the right side it was never in question. Wagner had it handled. His game was as close to perfect as I have seen in a Lions jersey. He was almost teleporting, his footwork is truly a sight to behold.