How will the Detroit Lions change when Matt Patricia is in charge?
Offensive Line
The offensive line was an absolute train wreck this year. The Lions started eleven different player combination up front. Predictably, the protection for Matt Stafford was shaky all year.
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In fact, the line surrendered 47 sacks to opponents. That’s just about three every game (2.94/ per)
The running game was ranked last, again (averaging 76.3 yards a contest).
The Lions appeared set to start the year with newly signed tackle, Rick Wagner, and guard, T.J. Lang. Both were highly productive with their previous teams.
They were added to what many thought was an emerging left side of the line: tackle, Taylor Decker, guard, Graham Glasgow, and center, Travis Swanson.
Not only that, backups Joe Dahl and Corey Robinson, both capable of playing guard or tackle, looked ready to step in if needed.
Best laid plans, they say, don’t always work out.
Only Glasgow played every game. Swanson has suffered another concussion. Decker looked rushed back to duty after his shoulder surgery. The new additions couldn’t stay in the lineup, either.