The Detroit Lions are making another push toward the playoffs, but they’ve had plenty of issues that have made that journey more difficult. Currently a half-game behind the San Francisco 49ers for the final playoff spot in the NFC, the Lions need to figure some things out, especially when it comes to the middle of their offensive line.
The issues began when Kevin Zeitler left for the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Frank Ragnow’s retirement didn’t help matters, and Tate Ratledge’s growing pains as a rookie have also held the interior back. But the injury Christian Mahogany suffered in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings has been the latest obstacle for the offensive line, leaving Kayode Awosika inserted into the starting lineup.
The fifth-year veteran has started games before for the Lions, but with the season moving along, Awosika has been a weak link and is failing the test as Mahogany’s replacement.
Kayode Awosika’s Struggles Are Becoming a Serious Problem for Lions
According to Pro Football Focus, Awosika’s hike in play began late in the loss to the Vikings. While he performed well in his first week as Mahogany's replacement, earning a 73.6 overall grade and two pressures on 35 snaps in a Week 10 win against the Washington Commanders, he was exposed last week against the Eagles, posting a 47.8 overall grade and allowing three pressures on 39 pass-blocking snaps.
The pressures have become a big issue for the Lions' offense. Awosika’s two pressures were joined by a pair allowed by center Graham Glasgow in the win over the Commanders. Last week, against the Eagles, Awosika’s three pressures tied for the team lead with Ratledge, but the rest of the Lions' offensive line didn’t do Jared Goff any favors as he was pressured on 38.5% of his dropbacks and pressured a total of 15 times.
While Goff’s pressure rate ranks 26th among qualified passers at 34.9%, getting an upgrade in the middle of the trenches would help him down the stretch. Goff’s 56.2 passer rating is the 11th-lowest among qualifiers this season and is a steep drop-off from his league-leading 132.4 passer rating with a clean pocket.
With such a stark difference, finding ways for Goff to throw unbothered has to be a priority for the Lions down the stretch. Unfortunately, with Awosika struggling in pass protection, Goff has been in survival mode while waiting for his offensive line to be back to full strength.
Campbell expected Mahogany to return in December, but the past two weeks should raise questions about Awosika. Unless he turns it around, keeping him as a depth piece after this season is a questionable move, and it could lead the Lions to look for a replacement when this year’s playoff push comes to an end.