Detroit Lions: What makes a perfect second preseason game?
Offensive production, line
This is tied to the first issue, quarterback play, but it goes further than that. Putting up 10 points against the Oakland Raiders is not enough. Only Ameer Abdullah reached the end zone in the second quarter. The run game was okay; 82 yards by running backs on 20 carries.
Looking at the roster, it seems almost a given that this year’s incarnation is going to break the 100-yard runner curse.
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The line mostly played well, with the possible exception of Joe Dahl, who did not have a good game. This week, center Graham Glasgow has been hampered with a leg injury suffered in practices with the New York Giants.
I would guess he will be held out as a precautionary measure, no matter his exact health. He did return to do some drills, but was replaced by Ragnow; Wesley Johnson, acquired this offseason, filled in at left guard. Dahl has been in the lineup instead of TJ Lang, already.
For a Detroit Lions team that is looking to solidify its line and not repeat the revolving door up front, this is a troubling trend; the Lions line must stay together and find some consistency to give LeGarrette Blount and Johnson room to make running plays. The depth is better and is more prepared for injuries, but Decker, Ragnow, Glasgow, Lang, and Wagner need to play almost every snap to see big improvements.
Obviously, if Stafford starts, it would be great to see a methodic drive and a touchdown to start the game on offense.
Big questions still loom at tight end, where Hakeem Valles has been the most productive member and is looking like a 53-man roster addition. None of the other tight ends have been particularly noteworthy.
Next. Ranking the 5 best Lions draft classes of the past 30 years. dark
What would make this game perfect in your mind? Let me know in the comments.
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