The Detroit Lions have lost two straight games, and now their playoff chances are hanging by a thread. Even though the Lions got offensive linemen Christian Mahogany back into the lineup for Week 16 following a stint on IR due to a fibula injury, he was disappointing in his return.
Mahogany was one of the worst players on the field for the Lions and played a role in the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. On the second play of the game, he gave up a sack, and it didn't get much better from there. Of course, he was rusty since he missed the last six games, but the struggles continued throughout the game, ultimately contributing to the loss.
Christian Mahogany’s Play in Week 16 Was Shaky for Lions
Enzo Flojo of ClutchPoints pointed out that Mahogany didn't pick up a Kyle Dugger stunt, and it allowed the free rusher to close in on Jared Goff for a safety. The issues weren't all on Mahogany, though. The offensive line as a whole didn't play well in Week 16. In addition to allowing Goff to be sacked three times, the Lions only rushed for 15 total yards, averaging just 1.3 yards per rush.
Mahogany's lackluster play up front led to some negative plays for the offense. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the lowest graded offensive player in Week 16 for the Lions, receiving a 42.4 overall grade, 33.1 pass-blocking grade, and 46.3 run-blocking grade.
He does need to be given some grace as he missed several weeks coming into this game, but his production wasn't good enough. Kayode Awosika and Trystan Colon were asked to fill in when Mahogany was sidelined, but neither player was good in his place either.
That's why there was excitement when the Boston College product returned to the field. Unfortunately, though, he didn't answer the call. Even before going down, he was inconsistent for the Lions. On PFF, he owns a 66.2 overall grade (29th among 77 graded guards) and 46.9 pass-blocking grade (67th among 77 graded guards).
Mahogany was more effective as a run blocker (73.4 run-blocking grade), yet the lapses in pass protection remain relevant. With no more room for error left on Detroit's plate, they will need Mahogany to play his best ball down the stretch, but what he put on tape again in Week 16 was underwhelming.
The lineman didn't give them the faith that he could be an asset down the line, creating more questions than answers with his outing instead.