It’s a new season for the Detroit Lions and with a new season comes a new weekly article series. Every week we’ll go over the one big advantage the Lions have over their opponent and what could bring home the win that week. As far as Week 1 goes, this is the big advantage this week.
Rams offensive line is dealing with a lot
For a Lions team that’s looking to go out and be a lot better at getting to the quarterback in 2024, this is a solid first opponent for them to go up against.
The Rams will be without their starting left tackle Alaric Jackson. He will be serving a two game suspension and therefore will be out. On top of that, the Rams might have another issue on the other side of the line with right tackle Rob Havenstein.
Havenstein has been dealing with an ankle injury this summer and there’s no word yet on if he’s going to play in this game. Havenstein did participate in practice on Wednesday, but it was in a limited capacity. Even if he did play, he’s still dealing with an ankle injury.
Then you go to the interior of the line. Former Lions guard Jonah Jackson is now in L.A. In an interesting change, the Rams don’t plan to play him at guard, they’re moving him to center. A place he’s never played in the NFL. Then they’re moving second year center Steve Avila to guard. So there’s going to be some growing pains on the interior.
By the way, there’s some worry that Jackson’s knowledge of the Lions playbook could help the Rams out in a big way. Lions head coach Dan Campbell has already talked about how the Lions have game planned for that and how it shouldn’t be an issue.
With Alaric Jackson out, the Rams will go with Joe Noteboom. He’s coming off a rough season in which he led the Rams in sacks allowed. If Havenstein doesn’t play, the Rams’ next guy up would be Warren McClendon Jr. This would be the third game of his career and his first start.
The Lions need to take advantage of this right away and get after Matthew Stafford early and often. If they can do that, they will win this game and start the season 1-0.