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

The Lions’ offensive line past and future

When the Lions needed to ice the game in the fourth quarter, they did so by running conventional power runs. Their offensive line looks a lot better when they’re attacking the defense. At this point everyone knows the Lions can not run stretch zone running plays effectively.

The middle of their offense caves in when they do, and the running back has no lane to the outside. Despite a rough week, these are not bad players, they are just performing tasks at which they do not excel far too often.

The Cardinals were a tough opening assignment for the Lions offensive line. Arizona have one of the league’s best front sevens. This was never going to be the kind of performance that told the league the Lions offensive line had arrived.

Some did not rank highly with PFF, but the Lions offensive line got the job done. They won the battle often enough to come out with four touchdowns on offense. In the end that is what the team will be judged by, not their play by play success individually.

Next: Defense leads Lions to a win over the Cardinals

The return of Taylor Decker at some point in the season may result in some shuffling along the line. Greg Robinson has played guard in the past. He may earn consideration to be the long term answer at left guard beside Decker. I:n any case his return will result in fewer hits on Matthew Stafford from the elite right side edge rushers of the league. They need to figure something out before week two, as their opponent is certainly not easier to face. The Giants have a furious pass rush. It could be a long day for Wagner and company.