How the Detroit Lions can bounce back in third preseason game

Offensive line & run game

Every year we hear the Lions’ brass drone on about improving the rushing attack. This year, we saw them draft two offensive linemen, Frank Ragnow and Tyrell Crosby.

Those picks, plus the signings of T.J. Lang and Rick Wagner last year, made this seem like more than an empty promise in 2018.

While the new talent seems likely to bring better results, the reality has not been spectacular. The Lions have given up four sacks, six quarterback hits, and nine hurries against the Giants along with eight sacks and 14 quarterback hits according to Lions beat writer Tim Twentyman.

After watching the Lions struggle in both run blocking and pass protection, many fans would love to see a cleaner game, especially by the starters.

Taylor Decker, in particular, has not been at his best during the preseason. Decker allowed ends Olivier Vernon and rookie Lorenzo Carter of the Giants to pressure Matthew Stafford.

The whole line has not been intact with Lang sitting out and Graham Glasgow missing the last game, which has given the team a chance to audition both Joe Dahl and Kenny Wiggins in the starting rotation.

Neither has instilled a lot of confidence in fans. Tyrell Crosby has played okay, better in the run game than in pass protection, but is still inexperienced.

If the Detroit Lions are going to give fans anything apart from a healthy showing, racking up some rushing yards and protecting Matthew Stafford would be two big keys to a perfect Game 3.