Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Stock Up: Laken Tomlinson
The Detroit Lions offensive line has been a footnote on every article talking about the putrid offense this season. It started early, when their promising first round interior offensive lineman couldn’t beat out a long time veteran who wasn’t exactly known for being great. The team would go through several different lineups, but this week they seem to have finally got it right for their line, at least as much as they’re likely to.
Tomlinson was the best lineman on the field, on either side of the ball for either team, and that’s a pretty big jump considering how he was playing early in the year. With Larry Warford returning not only healthy, but back to his early career dominance, the team might finally have what it needs to run the Saints offense that Joe Lombardi brought with him.
Drew Brees‘ Saints always had dominant interior offensive line play, allowing him to step up in to the pocket to make lethal strikes against the middle of opposing defenses, and it’s no coincidence Matthew Stafford is playing well when he finally has a line blocking for him. The team needs more than just strong interior line play, and right tackle remains a concern, but it’s better to have good interior play and bad outside than both.
Next: Tight Ends
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