Detroit Lions getting receivers back would be a huge boost
Spark to Lions offense
It is no secret that Detroit has been slumping since getting off to a 3-1 record. Injuries have mounted, especially to the offensive line and wide receivers. This has been a major reason that the Lions are ranked 24th and 25th in big plays, those over twenty and forty yards, respectively.
Likewise, they are near the top of the wrong list, sacks given up, at 23 already. Marvin Jones, our other starting wideout, has produced five of the teams eighteen plays over twenty yards.
Tate and Golladay only have three combined, but they do account for four of quarterback Matt Stafford’s twelve touchdowns. Golladay has only appeared in three games, as well, while dealing with a hamstring injury. Jones has three scores, tight end Eric Ebron, one, and tight end Darren Fells, three, running back Theo Riddick, one, have caught the others.
Although Stafford spreads the ball around, Tate and Golladay are two complimentary pieces for the Detroit offense.
Tate is the short to intermediate routes, the guy you want to get into space to allow him to run after he catches the ball.
Golladay is the long-strider, big, deep threat and red zone weapon that Stafford will look for deeper down field and near the goal line.
They have distinctly two different skill-sets. Which is why getting both is better for the offense.
The offense looked very capable of putting up huge numbers when the line and the top receiving options were all healthy. Those are our number one and three wide receivers, they’re kinda’ important.
What the Lions do without their top options
Firstly, if the Lions don’t figure out a way to keep Stafford upright, the wide receivers make little difference. The only two linemen not practicing this week are tackles Greg Robinson and Emmett Cleary. So, there’s a chance that at least the right side of the line can provide some shelter.
Given the fact that tackles Joe Dahl and Corey Robinson are inactive, and starting left tackle, Taylor Decker, is on the physically unable to perform list, I mean, no biggie, right?
Corey Robinson has just been taken off of the PUP, physically unable to perform list, but cannot play until week nine at the earliest. Tim Twentymen, Lions beat writer, is the original source.