Over the past few seasons, the Detroit Lions' offensive line has been among the top in football. Their dominating presence wore opponents down, leading to them playing worse the next week. However, entering this season, there were questions about how the unit would perform.
With center Frank Ragnow's surprising retirement, Detroit would be supporting an entirely new interior of the offensive line in 2025. Lions fans quickly realized how different the team looks without even average interior offensive line play in their Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers. If the interior offensive line play doesn't shape up quickly, the Lions' chances of making a Super Bowl run drop significantly.
Lions Interior Offensive Line Was a Glaring Issue in Week 1
In Week 1, the Lions center and offensive guards allowed three sacks, two quarterback hits, four quarterback hurries, and nine quarterback pressures, according to PFF. Moreover, none of them logged above a 55.0 overall grade.
Center Graham Glasgow had the worst performance, earning himself a 43.6 overall grade. One of his worst plays of the day came on a fourth-quarter run when the Lions were backed up inside their five-yard line. On this play, Glasgow and right guard Tate Ratledge were blocking the air while Rashan Gary and Colby Wooden tackled David Montgomery at Detroit's own one-yard line.
Ratledge even admitted his debut wasn't the best. After the game, the rookie said, "Obviously, starting (with) myself, I got to go out there and be better. I did not have my best game where I needed to play (well). Did not play to this team's standard, especially not this offensive line room's standard. So, I've got to go in, go to work, and try to get better from it."
Hearing these words from a rookie should excite fans. Typically, rookies aren't this self-critical. Sure, most will tell you if they had a bad game, but also mention that they are still learning. Ratledge didn't do that and instead took full responsibility because he understands the Lions are striving for greatness.
Despite the other two linemen not speaking with the media after the game, they also likely understand that they didn't play up to standards. Be that as it may, it's paramount that everyone plays better moving forward. If they fail to do so, the offensive line will remain a clear roadblock standing between the Lions and a Super Bowl run in 2025.