Detroit Lions: Making the Case to Trade for Trent Williams

The Detroit Lions have done a fantastic job building up their defensive line after bringing in Matt Patricia, a defensive-minded head coach. It’s time the organization focuses on the offensive line.

Matt Patricia, under the watchful eye of Bill Belichick, operated a very successful defense year after year with the New England Patriots. As everyone knows, the Detroit Lions GM Bob Quinn, head coach Matt Patricia amongst others are offspring of the dynasty build in the Boston area.

It’s not a surprise the Lions are trying to get the right players in place on defense that fit Patricia’s scheme. He focuses on defense similar to the way the Rams or Chiefs concentrate on offense. Andy Reid wants players that fit his system, as does Sean McVay. They generally defer their defense to the coordinator. The Rams have a tremendous defense and a top-notch DC in Wade Phillips. He’s basically another head coach.

The Detroit Lions need to allow Darrell Bevell to completely run the offense and let Patricia focus on the defense. Bevell did an excellent job in week one calling the game. Matthew Stafford looked the part of a franchise QB. It was the defense who blew an 18-point fourth-quarter lead. Yes, Bevell did call a timeout at the worst possible time. Also, Danny Amendola made a boneheaded play by not getting out of bounds late in the game as the clock was ticking away. Both of these mistakes are preseason blunders that shouldn’t have happened.

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Overall the offense proved they could move the ball. The playmakers made plays. Rookie T.J. Hockenson had a phenomenal week one. I’ve lost sleep this summer thinking about how unreliable the offensive line would be if the team doesn’t improve it after training camp. After week one, I haven’t gained any confidence at all.

Matthew Stafford was pressured on 47% of his dropbacks in week one. When he was able to stand in a clean pocket and deliver, he looked dynamite. I expected the left guard position to be a revolving door all season long. It’s a position shared by Kenny Wiggins and Joe Dahl. Dahl, according to (PFF) Pro Football Focus graded out the best in pass protection on the OL in week one. A bit shocking if you ask me.

Someone who didn’t grade well was left tackle Taylor Decker. Decker committed 4 penalties, allowed 2 sacks and gave up 7 quarterback pressures. That is simply terrible for a starting left tackle. The Lions will have no choice but to lend Decker help in the way of a tight end next week against the Chargers or 47% pressure will turn into 60% or more in week two.

It is time for the Detroit Lions to entertain the idea of trading for pro-bowler Trent Williams from the Washington Redskins. Williams is currently holding out in hopes of a contract extension or trade from the Skins.

In an article written by Julia Karron of NBCSports, Williams’ teammate Morgan Moses says the LT is in the best shape of his life;

"“I know one thing is he’s in the best shape he’s ever been he’s told me,” Moses said. “So when he does get the call and when he does get back he’ll be ready to roll.”One thing that Moses was quick to point out was that Williams’ fitness, and ability to stay healthy, has been a reason he’s been so reliable.“Obviously you can’t replace a guy of that caliber and what he brings to the team,” Moses said. “His body’s his business. without him taking care of his body he wouldn’t be able to do what he does in the last nine, 10 years he’s been in the league.”"

The Detroit Lions should try and find a way to acquire Trent Williams. Williams is a veteran, like a used car, with plenty of wear and tear on the body, so you always run the risk of the well running dry similar to when the Lions added TJ Lang.

There are not many nicer guys off the field than TJ Lang, but by the time the Detroit Lions added the RG, he was on fumes. Williams when right, is a much better LT than Taylor Decker. Decker much younger could be a part of the deal. Maybe the rebuilding Redskins would be interested in taking a flier on him.

The team could also decide to flip Decker from LT to RT, replacing Rick Wagner. Wagner, in my eyes, is a middle of the road tackle who hasn’t lived up to expectations in Detroit. It appears the best days of his career were as a member of the Baltimore Ravens.

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The Lions need to give Matthew Stafford better protection. The team can’t keep two tight ends’ in to help each tackle. If Trent were somehow acquired, the Lions could help Wagner with a TE or a back chipping and trust Williams on the blindside one on one. It’s time to re-tool this offensive line giving Frank Ragnow some help.

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