Detroit Lions: Winning in the Trenches, Run Game Critical Sunday

The Detroit Lions defensive line looked invisible at times last week in Philadelphia.  If the Detroit Lions allow Patrick Mahomes the same cushion and time Carson Wentz had Sunday, the Chiefs may score on every possession.

The defensive line was expected to be the strength of the Detroit Lions defense, and it may still be but the performance as a group to start the season is lagging a bit.  Part of the reason could be the fact that the colossal offseason free agency signing Trey Flowers was sidelined all of the Lions offseason programs along with missing the entire preseason.

Damon Harrison was holding out through the better part of the summer in hopes of landing a new contract.  The Detroit Lions obliged by giving their star defensive tackle a large chunk of guaranteed money now, plus extended his deal by one year although at the time he had two years remaining.

With both of Harrison and Flowers missing that work in the offseason it shouldn’t come as a surprise they are still trying to find their groove.  This week is week four; they should be up to speed, entirely in-game shape.  It comes at the perfect time too as they will need to get pressure on Patrick Mahomes, or it will be a long afternoon in Detroit.

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The Lions need to make him uncomfortable.  The kid can make every throw. Sometimes he doesn’t even need to be looking at his target when he flips a perfect no-look pass.  Mahomes is mobile in the pocket, that ability to slide around in the pocket usually buys the MVP the appropriate time to find his speedy receivers down the field.

The Lions defensive front must create enough consistent pressure to keep Mahomes uncomfortable.  It’s also important to get pressure with just the front four if Matt Patricia is forced to start blitzing Mahomes will pick apart the holes in the defense.

The Detroit Lions also need to find a way to run the football Sunday.  It’s critical for this offense to run the ball, bleed the clock and keep Andy Reid‘s high powered offense on the sidelines.  They can’t do damage if they are sitting on the bench.  Kerryon Johnson needs to find some of that same magic he had last year when he averaged 5.4 yards per carry.  So far through the first three games, he’s only averaging a mere 2.6 yards per tote–that won’t cut it.

As good as the offensive line’s looked in pass protection, they’ve been that bad run blocking.  The big graders need to get going Sunday and open up some holes for Kerryon Johnson.  Hopefully, Ty Johnson will have an opportunity to break out as well.  He’s so explosive, all he needs is a little sliver of daylight, and he’s gone.

The run game will be critical if the Lions have any hope this Sunday.  As most football games are decided in the trenches, this game will be no different.