Detroit Lions Midseason Grades: Interior Offensive Line Report Card
By Dean Holden
Rob Sims Sep 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions guard Rob Sims (67) talks with Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) at the end of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Arizona Cardinals won 25 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports
Production
Sims is having his usual quiet season, in which he plays pretty well but doesn’t wow anyone. He might be one of the least talked-about players on the entire team, which is usually a good sign for an interior lineman.
Having said that, Pro Football Focus has him rated as the Lions’ worst interior lineman at -1.3 overall, and second-worst offensive lineman behind only Corey Hilliard, thanks to a -7.1 rating in run blocking. He’s actually above-average in every other area, and hasn’t taken a penalty all season, but the atrocious run-blocking grade brings him down. The Lions are 1-3 in games PFF has him graded worse than -1 in run blocking.
Grade: B-
Impact
Sims hasn’t made a huge impact in either a good or bad way, which has pretty much been his mantra since he arrived in Detroit. He has, however, avoided flags and consistently played every offensive snap this season. He also had his best game of the season against Dallas, so maybe better things are ahead.
Grade: B
Vs. Expectations
Sims is doing exactly what he’s supposed to. He’s a consistent veteran leader who plays every snap and doesn’t give anybody a headache. He’s not a bulldozer, but he’s fundamentally sound and rarely lets up pressure on the quarterback. He’s neither better nor worse than expected.
Grade: C
Overall
Sims has always been one of the Lions’ most stable and reliable linemen, but now he also looks like the least talented. Still, he’s earning his contract and should still be around through the end of it in 2014.
Grade: B-