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Detroit Lions’ offensive line needs time to build chemistry

By Steven Mullenax

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 19: Jake Rudock #14 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass during the third quarter of the preseason game against the New York Jets on August 19, 2017 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Jets 16-6. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 19: Jake Rudock #14 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass during the third quarter of the preseason game against the New York Jets on August 19, 2017 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Jets 16-6. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Despite the fact the Detroit Lions’ offensive line looked a bit shaky against the New York Jets on Saturday night, this group only needs more time to build chemistry.

If the New York Jets are known for anything, it’s for having a dominate defensive line. The Jets have dedicated three first round picks to that positional group since 2011. So is it any wonder why the Detroit Lions‘ offensive line looked a bit shaky against them Saturday night?

Yet, the Lions still defeated the Jets, 16-6, in the second preseason contest for both teams. With the majority of those points being scored while the first team offense was in the game, Detroit proved they can be productive regardless of the pressure New York brought. And that’s a point Lions’ starting right guard T.J. Lang made following the game.

"“I thought we did some good things there in the first quarter when Matt [Stafford] was in,” Lang told ESPN.com. “Obviously, we got to protect the quarterback a little bit better, but [we] scored 10 points in one quarter, so not a bad job for us.”"

The Lions’ second preseason contest was the debut for Lang, who has been recovering from offseason hip surgery. The former Green Bay Packer was acquired in free agency this year along with Baltimore standout Ricky Wagner at right tackle. Their addition was expected to solidify Detroit’s O-line.

But chemistry is important when building an offensive line. And the Lions’ newest additions have had precious little time to build any.

Detroit will have at least three new starters along their offensive line this season. Lang and Wagner on the right side of the line and former first round bust Greg Robinson at left tackle. The latter was acquired in a June trade after 2016 first round selection Taylor Decker suffered a shoulder injury that could have him sidelined until December.

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Due to injuries, Detroit’s offensive line has had precious little time to build some much needed chemistry. With Lang now back in the fold, and the rest of training camp and the preseason to work it out, fans should be encouraged by what they saw from the Lions on Saturday.

The Detroit Lions’ offensive line proved they could get the job done when it counted against a tough New York Jets defense in the trenches. And it should only get better from here on out.

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