During the second half of last season, it was evident that the Lions offensive line was playing some of their best football together. The run game was working and Jared Goff was standing upright.
Going into this season, there was concern at right guard and who the starter was going to be for Detroit. However, the Lions have mixed and matched different combinations at both guard and center throughout the season and have been just fine.
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Graham Glasgow has been able to play center and guard for Detroit and he’s played well. Meanwhile, rookie Colby Sorsdal earned his first career start against the Raiders and played 86 snaps. Additionally, he was part of the unit that paved the way for the Lions to run for over 220 yards on the ground against Las Vegas.
Even with injuries to Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Frank Ragnow and Jonah Jackson, they’ve made it work with Kayode Awosika and Dan Skipper as well. Much of the credit goes to players and the leadership from Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker but let’s tip the hat to offensive line coach Hank Fraley. He’s one of the most underrated coaches in the league and he’s got his unit clicking on all cylinders. It doesn’t matter who’s on the field.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Lions have the top ranked offensive line unit after nine weeks of football. They’ve had a steady grip on the number one spot due to their offensive line ranking third in the NFL in pass-blocking efficiency. They’ve only allowed 72 pressures on 311 drop backs.
Adding to that, the Lions best player up front is Penei Sewell. The third-year tackle has earned an 82.4 overall grade and is ranked fourth among tackles. Whether he’s playing left or right tackle, Sewell is an absolute stud. Meanwhile, he’s always getting the team fired up before every game.
In the article, the projected offensive line starters for Detroit in week 10 are the following:
- LT Taylor Decker
- LG Jonah Jackson
- C Frank Ragnow
- RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai — Dan Campbell states Graham Glasgow has earned the right to start at RG.
- RT Penei Sewell
This unit will have their hands full in week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers. They’ll need to find ways to slow down Derwin James, Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Tuli Tiupulota.
Fortunately, all of the projected starters for the Lions offensive line are expected to be back for this game. It will be interesting to see who starts at right guard as Dan Campbell spoke to the media today and suggested that Graham Glasgow has “earned the right to start at RG.” For the full article on the PFF OL Rankings, you can read it here.