Detroit Lions: The top 5 things to look for during the MNF opener
The Detroit Lions begin their season on MNF going up against the New York Jets. Here are five things we should keep our eyes on during the game.
Are you ready for some football?! I know we will all be clamoring to our TV screens and electronic devices on September 10th to see the Detroit Lions take on the New York Jets within the friendly confines of Ford Field on Monday Night Football.
Although I am keen to enjoy the rest of the offseason and keep my eyes on the latest developments coming out of Lions camp, I can’t help but look ahead to the future about how the team will be looking in Week 1 and beyond.
I really feel like Detroit is on the cusp of becoming a very dangerous squad in the NFL, not only ready to compete but also defeat some key teams in the league as they begin to establish a new identity for themselves as perennial contenders.
There are five major areas that I will be keeping my eyes on from Week 1 forward in order to see how Detroit’s season shapes up.
In no particular order, here is what I will be looking for.
Offensive line health
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked a career-high 47 times last season and much of that had to do with the performance of his patchwork offensive line.
The injury bug plagued the offensive line starters early and often and it struck one player before his season could even begin.
Left tackle Taylor Decker started his season on the physically unable to perform list due to a torn labrum and didn’t play his first game until November.
Starting center Travis Swanson’s season was cut short for the second consecutive year due to a brain injury.
Right guard T.J. Lang missed three games due to an assortment of injuries (concussion, back, ankle) but he bounced back strong enough to make the Pro Bowl.
Finally, right tackle Rick Wagner missed three games battling through ankle and back injuries.
Graham Glasgow was the only offensive lineman for Detroit to start in all 16 games.
Four out of the five starters missed time in 2017 which severely impacted their cohesion so it’s needless to say that Detroit is hopeful to have the health of their entire offensive line intact for the entirety of the 2018 season.
With the resources that Detroit has invested into their line over the past three years, including drafting Frank Ragnow in the first round of the draft this year to start at left guard, they should gel into one of the best units in the NFL.
Staying healthy and keeping Stafford upright will go a long way towards Detroit’s offense doing some real damage against their opponents.