The Detroit Lions' offensive line could've been much better in Week 9, so to speak. Miles Frazier got the start at left guard over Christian Mahogany, and he struggled mightily for most of the win over the Miami Dolphins.
Since Mahogany wasn't listed on the injury report, fans and members of the media wondered why Frazier took his place and, more importantly, why Mahogany didn't come off the bench when the team was clearly struggling.
Head coach Dan Campbell later revealed that Mahogany broke a team rule multiple times. And while it's all good between the two of them and the team is aware of the situation, it's up to him to get back on the field on Sunday.
Dan Campbell is preaching accountability with Christian Mahogany's situation
“That’s really between us,” Campbell said (h/t Brad Galli). “That’s why I have team rules, that’s why we have team rules and we’ve all got to abide by them, and if it’s broken multiple times, then you do something about it. We’re in good standing and like I said, the ball’s in his court. It’ll be good.”
This is what a coach and a leader are supposed to do. Campbell has turned the Lions' organization around by, among other things, building a winning culture and a culture of accountability in the locker room, and everyone has to abide by that standard.
This was a bold and risky move, though. Frazier struggled mightily against the Lions' hard-hitting defense, but Campbell stood ten toes down and didn't waver in his decision. It could've cost him a game, but backpedaling probably would've cost him the locker room's respect, so he made the right call.
Frazier only gave up one pressure in the start, which isn't that bad, but he was constantly manhandled and pushed around. He couldn't set an anchor multiple times, with rookie first-round pick Blake Miller often having to clean up his mess. It wasn't pretty.
Mahogany, on the other hand, has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Pro Football Focus gives him a 79.6 grade, the 10th-highest among 76 eligible guards, and his pass-blocking grade (78.3) is the sixth-best.
Over eight games, Mahogany hasn't given up a single sack, has been called for just one penalty, and has allowed just six pressures and two quarterback hits. He's clearly done more than enough to be the undisputed starting left guard.
However, that also goes to show just how far Dan Campbell is willing to go to get everyone in line. It doesn't matter whether you're an All-Pro or a practice squad guy; there are rules and standards to meet, and those who don't want to play ball won't see the field.
That's leadership, and that's why everyone would run through a wall for that man.
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