Five Things the Detroit Lions Can Improve Upon During the Second Half
By Max DeMara
Oct 12, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls out the snap count from behind center Dominic Raiola (51) and against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Lions win 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
5. Pass protection
Last but certainly not least, the struggles of the offensive line. Not only have they failed to run block most of the year, but pass protection has been a major issue, and Matthew Stafford has been on the run most of the first half, leading to his troubles.
Like the tight end spot, much of this problem has come due to various injuries. LaAdrian Waddle was missing in action last week, and the team has had to plug in average veteran Garrett Reynolds and undrafted rookie Cornelius Lucas at different times.
Somehow, though, injuries aside, the group needs to take their struggles personally and give Stafford more time to throw the ball. At times, it appears if the quarterback had a few more seconds to make decisions, the offense would benefit immensely.
Finding those elusive seconds could be the key to eliminating sacks and allowing the Lions’ offense to perk up in the second half.