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Are the Detroit Lions running game woes really an easy fix?

By Michael Kirkland

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Dwayne Washington #36 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates after rushing for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Dwayne Washington #36 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates after rushing for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Decker looks for answers
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 3: Offensive tackle Taylor Decker #68 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the bench against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Why I’m skeptical

Okay, so the starters along the line, from left tackle to right: Taylor Decker, guard Graham Glasgow, center Travis Swanson, guard T.J. Lang, and tackle Rick Wagner started one game as a full unit, which they did not finish together.

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Four of them are coming back for 2018, for sure: Decker, Glasgow, Lang, and Wagner. Of that group only Glasgow played the entire season. Decker is only in his second season. Both Lang and Wagner signed big free agent deals to “anchor the right side of the line” prior to 2017.

The theory that this group of men will all magically be better next season is a popular one. It was the exact poor assumption that was made of the running backs this past year, or the corner backs the year prior.

I’m not suggesting that they all get released. What I am suggesting is that the quality of the depth is sorely lacking, they are likely in need of a starting guard, as Glasgow will probably start at center next year. That is a surface assessment, though. When Decker was out for the first half of 2017 with his labrum injury, the depth proved to be woefully inadequate. Joe Dahl, a guard/ tackle backup, couldn’t play. Corey Robinson, another tackle reserve, also couldn’t contribute.

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