Detroit Lions: Offensive Line Success a Real Surprise

Entering the season, the Detroit Lions offensive line left me, and I’m sure many other fans with a few restless nights. The unit I saw as one of the teams’ weaknesses appears to be a strength through the first three games of the season anyway.

When talking about the Detroit Lions, it’s incredible to think that it’s the defensive line that appears to be struggling to get into a groove, but the offensive line is already in mid-season form. While the Lions are struggling to get any type of production from the run game, the pass protection has been much better than I anticipated. The group hasn’t allowed a single sack over the last two weeks. Think about the pass-rush both the Chargers and Eagles roll out on a weekly basis. That’s a stat to be proud of.

It was the defensive line that was repeatedly pushed around last Sunday in Philly. The DL is supposed to be one of the strengths of this team. Not every play by any means but more times than not, the Lions couldn’t get any pass rush. It was the DL struggling, not the OL, a major surprise to me.

Carson Wentz seemed like he had a five-yard cushion along with as much time as he needed to find an open target. His wide-outs, mostly Nelson Agholor let him down a couple of times with critical drops. Agholor had a wonderful day, but I’m sure he’d trade the numbers he posted if it meant he could corral a couple of those Wentz third-down throws– drops changed the game.

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I expected this new Darrell Bevell offense to be a run-first offense, but with the inability to get anything going, he’s shifted gears over the last three games putting the ball into the hands of Matthew Stafford. Something Jim Bob Cooter was unable to do efficiently; adapt. Putting the ball in Stafford’s hands means the offensive line needs to hold up, so far, they’ve played much better than I expected.

For a guy that’s been critical of the group, and openly hoping they’d upgrade the unit, as of now they’ve been the more consistent line on the team. Who would have thought? Joe Dahl has been a very nice find for this team as a starter. I’ve also considered him the ‘best’ option on the roster, especially when it came down to Dahl or Wiggins.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Detroit Lions offensive line currently ranks 11th in the NFL. That’s an excellent grade when you consider how badly Decker struggled week one, and then didn’t play week two. For this group, it suggests the run game is about to breakout.

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1176500540659908608

If I said that I was confident the left guard position would hold up, it would be a lie. I thought opponents would put their best pass-rusher across from Dahl and create pressure regularly, that hasn’t been the case, Dahl has been outstanding. Moving Frank Ragnow from LG to center turns out to be a brilliant move, he will be a pro bowler as he continues to anchor this group. Ragnow did a tremendous job blocking the outstanding interior DL Fletcher Cox this past Sunday in Philadelphia. Cox is one of the best all-around defensive tackles in football, and Ragnow basically took him away–very impressive.

Taylor Decker, who I’ve been critical of recently posted a beautiful game Sunday. He was outstanding against Brandon Graham and company. He was able to be left alone regularly against the tremendous pass rush and held up very well, which allowed a tight end to help Rick Wagner when necessary.

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I’ve regularly mentioned I’d like for the Detroit Lions to entertain the thought of bringing in veteran Trent Williams who is currently holding out in Washington. He is considered as one of the top left tackles in all of football even at the age of 31. Last weeks performance by Decker will force me to eat my words; he played great. As long as that back of his holds up, I’ll gladly admit I was wrong.

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