Detroit Lions preseason: Why the New York Jets are a good test

Offensive adjustments

Ameer Abdullah‘s health, thus far, is an obvious difference-maker to the offense. The third year runner looks like he’s ready to go. In limited work last week, he looked fast and elusive. The run game needs to take pressure off of the passing game if the Lions are to challenge for a division title or make a run at a Lombardi.

Lastly, the left tackle position is coming into focus. Greg Robinson, the penciled-in starter, is cementing his case to replace injured Taylor Decker on the blind side.

This issue dovetails with the health of our running backs and the interior of the line, where T.J. Lang has missed time during camp. Lang is a big upgrade at right guard after coming over from the Green Bay Packers. The combination of health and new blood, could in theory at this point, help improve the anemic, thirtieth-ranked running game.

The news at left guard has not been as promising. Graham Glasgow did not have a good game, and the team is scrambling to solidify a running mate for Greg Robinson on the left side. Glasgow and Joe Dahl struggled at left guard, while Travis Swanson has been consistent at center.

Eric Ebron has missed most of camp dealing with hamstring problems suffered during the first practice. According to Carlos Monnarez, of the Detroit Free Press, Jim Caldwell hopes to, “Get him back out there soon.”

Assuming his injuries do not linger, and the relative health of everyone is good, Ebron, Abdullah, Tate,  wideout Marvin Jones, and Golladay could be a formidable group of weapons for quarterback Matt Stafford. #knockonwood