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Detroit Lions all-time offensive line in ‘Tecmo Bowl’ era

By James F. Puzzuoli

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Kevin Glover #53 of the Detroit Lions battles against Lionel Washington #48 of the Los Angeles Raiders during a game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 20, 1987 in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders won 27-7 (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Kevin Glover #53 of the Detroit Lions battles against Lionel Washington #48 of the Los Angeles Raiders during a game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 20, 1987 in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders won 27-7 (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /
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Photo by George Rose/Getty Images
Photo by George Rose/Getty Images /

As a fan of the Detroit Lions, it is hard to feel good about this offensive lineman list. No wonder this franchise has struggled to win playoff games.

The ‘Tecmo Bowl’ series this week takes a look at the Detroit Lions all-time offensive lineman. This particular group will include five players: just the five starters in this case.

That small number should make the list easier, but the Lions don’t have a great track record with offensive lineman over the years. Not really concerned with the exact position for this list. This is more an exercise of naming three interior guys (center/guard) and two outside guys (tackle).

The overall roster rules are based upon the 1991 “Tecmo Super Bowl” game. Those rules are set forth in my ‘Tecmo’ quarterbacks article.

Two guys are sure-fire for this list. They are the first to come to mind in the last 27 seasons of Detroit Lions football.

BEST OF THE GROUP

Center Kevin Glover and tackle Lomas Brown are two of the very best to ever suit up in the Honolulu Blue and Silver. They are all-time Detroit Lions in any era. They each bring plenty to the table:

  • Kevin Glover (1985-97)
    • 177 games with Detroit
    • 3 Pro Bowls (1995, 1996, 1997)
  • Lomas Brown (1985-95)
    • 164 games with Detroit
    • 6 Pro Bowls (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995)
    • 7th Pro Bowl with Arizona Cardinals (1996)
    • All-Pro in 1995

It doesn’t hurt to block for the greatest running back of all-time in Barry Sanders. But these guys helped Barry to be great as well. Barry seemed to lean heavily on these two guys on and off the field during his career and seemed to miss them when they were gone.

It probably even contributed to Barry’s early retirement from the team.

The next two guys are not as decorated but had one thing going for them in their Detroit careers.

LONGEVITY

Tackle Jeff Backus and center Dominic Raiola are the next two choices, but not without doubt. Neither player ever had the accolades of Pro Bowl appearances, but each played more than a decade with the Detroit Lions:

  • Jeff Backus (2001-12)
    • 191 games
  • Dominic Raiola (2001-14)
    • 219 games

Both players spent their entire careers in the Motor City. Each deserves credit for playing for so long, and for not missing games. In 12 seasons, Backus missed one game. In 14 seasons, Raiola missed five. It’s impressive considering the punishing blows the line takes during every offensive snap.

Simply stated, they make the team for having played so many games for Detroit.

There were a couple of guys who are the “could have been” of this list.

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