Following the Detroit Lions final preseason defeat, the team will now go about cutting down their roster to 53 players. That and more in today’s headlines.
The Detroit Lions went 1-3 through the preseason. And although many believe these exhibitions are meaningless, the poor play of the starters has to be concerning. With the regular season just around the corner, I’m not sure anyone has a clue how the Lions will perform when the games actually count.
In the meantime, Detroit will go about the business of trimming their roster down to only 53 players by Saturday afternoon. We’ll discuss that, the poor preseason and much more in today’s edition of headlines.
Detroit Lions 3 questions: Is Anthony Zettel about to get cut? – Detroit Free Press
One of the most interesting roster bubble situations surrounds third-year defensive end, Anthony Zettel. The 2016 sixth-rounder played well in place of the injured Kerry Hyder last season, racking up 6.5 sacks. But is Zettel a good fit for the new defensive scheme in Detroit? It will be a surprise if Zettel isn’t on the final 53 in Detroit. He’s too good a player to simply cut. A trade would make much more sense if he is moved at all.
Refocused, NFL Preseason Week 4: Cleveland Browns 35, Detroit Lions 17 – Pro Football Focus
Here, the good folks over at Pro Football Focus make a good point when it comes to Thursday night’s preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns. The key to the game was the Lions’ offensive line. Their inability to pass block hurt their quarterbacks and their lack of run blocking made it tough sledding for running back Dwayne Washington (67 yards, 20 carries). Depth along the O-Line is a real concern.
The biggest question plaguing Lions fans is how seriously should they take these preseason contests? According to DetroitLions.com columnist Mike O’Hara, the game itself is meaningless, but the performances are important. And fans should have some serious questions when it comes to the performances they witnessed throughout the preseason by this team.
Niyo: Lions need to be better than a work in progress – The Detroit News
Matt Patricia was handed a 9-7 team that has posted a winning record in three of the past four seasons. This is not a rebuilding situation in Motown. Patricia’s presence was meant to get Detroit over the playoff hump. Based on what we’ve seen so far, the Lions might be lucky to replicate their record from 2017. Detroit is better than that or at least should be.
NFC North preview: Aaron Rodgers is back, and so are the Pack – NFL.com
In this article on the NFL’s official website, Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis is highlighted as a player to watch in 2018. Yet his struggles in coverage and size have some concerned if Davis is a good fit in Matt Patricia’s multiple defensive scheme. There is little doubt he is talented. But his play this season could determine his future in the Motor City.