Detroit Lions: Offensive Line will be put to the test facing a stout Colts front
By Bob Heyrman
The Detroit Lions offensive line will be put to the test today facing the stout Indianapolis Colts front seven.
Entering into Week Eight’s matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, the Detroit Lions offense, mainly the teams’ offensive line, will be put to the test. Things may be a bit murkier for Detroit if they are forced to play without or a less than one-hundred percent starting left tackle Taylor Decker.
Heading into Sunday, Decker, and starting corner Desmond Trufant each carry a questionable tag into the contest. Some good news, though, the Lions will get slot corner Justin Coleman back for Sunday’s matchup.
All eyes will be on the Detroit Lions offensive line, which is one of the leagues best run-blocking units against the second-best defense in the entire NFL, by the numbers. The Colts defense is lead by their front seven; DeForest Bucker anchors the Colts’ interior, which will put plenty of pressure on starting center Frank Ragnow. Ragnow will certainly receive help inside all day as the Lions will double-team Buckner all day long.
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It is an impressive run blocking group the Lions deploy, now the leagues second-best unit a mere point behind the Cleveland Browns according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), coming in with an overall mark of 77.3. The Colts yield just 88 rushing yards per game, the third-best across the league, oh, and they are second best defending the pass allowing only 199 yards per game.
It is the perfect complement to a quarterback like Philip Rivers, who often turns the football over when you think about it. The Colts lean on that strong defense to win football games.
The Lions offensive tackles will need to deal with veteran defensive end Justin Houston who can still cause havoc at 31-years old. Houston has compiled four sacks and 11 total pressures in 2020. Detroit will also need to keep tabs on Al-Quadin Muhammad, who plays opposite Houston. The fourth year-end is quietly having himself a solid season in all aspects but emerging as one of the better tackling ends and excels at defending the run.
It will be fun to watch this Detroit Lions offensive line go to work against this Colts defense. The Colts also have one of the best linebackers in the game. Darius Leonard ranks third at his position with an elite 81.6 overall mark, according to PFF. Leonard is a tremendous cover linebacker and a tackling machine.
He rarely creates pressure on the quarterback, so that is one benefit for Detroit, but his coverage skills will make for a difficult day for both T.J. Hockenson or D’Andre Swift, depending on Leonard’s assignment.
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Indianapolis is also getting tremendous production from cornerback Xavier Rhodes; the former Viking corner is rejuvenated, ranking as the sixth-best overall corner in football.