Detroit Lions: 3 players to step up in wake of Quintez Cephus’s injury

Breakout wide Reciever Quintez Cephus broke his collarbone on Sunday; who’s the next man up for the Detroit Lions?

It’s the same old song and dance in Detroit. The Detroit Lions remain winless after five games, while star players lack their expected production. It brings tears to my eyes too, Dan.

Players need to step up when one of their own has to sit and watch from the sidelines. Unfortunately, this team lacks the depth to make that a certainty. T.J. Hockenson and D’Andre Swift lead the team in most receiving categories; someone needs to rise to the occasion.

There have been a few players to catch my eye this season. They shine in certain situations but are inconsistent. These guys need to break out, or else it’s going to be a long season.

Detroit Lions Quarterback Jared Goff needs to step up.

Jared Goff has been a saving grace to the offense. Yes, he turns the ball over at inopportune times but is better than David Blough.

Goff sits outside the Top 10 (11) in completion percentage. He led go-ahead drives to nearly win against the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings; he walked off the field with the lead in both contests before heartbreaking losses would take place.

The Lions quarterback needs to take his play to the next level. He needs to transform one of the minor league pass catchers into elite wide receivers. He has his work cut out for him but is not the only one.

Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Kalif Raymond will have big shoes to fill.

Raymond has played 75% of the team’s snaps this season and holds 15% of the target share. His numbers tell otherwise. He failed to catch both his targets last week.

Goff must feed Raymond targets if he expects him to produce. In Week 3, he saw ten passes, catching six. He finished with his season-high in receiving yards (68). I love Raymond; Lions fans should love him too.

Detroit Lions Offensive Lineman Penei Sewell needs to start figuring it out.

The highly praised rookie has yet to impress so far. He has missed a lot of blocks while racking up the holding penalties. In his defense, who’s there to help him out? Frank Ragow will miss the rest of the season due to a toe injury. Taylor Decker continues to deal with his finger injury but may return this week.

Decker may bring the support Sewell needs, but it is not enough. Campbell drafted him with the expectation to play at a high level from the jump; he has yet to leave the ground.

These are not the only guys who need to improve their roles, but Campbell prepared for this. The wins will come once the team plays a full 60 minutes.