Detroit Lions: Roster cuts loom as date approaches
The Detroit Lions’ other line
Along with the offensive line’s struggles are the apparent struggles on the other side of the ball. A plethora of excuses (reasons?) has been given as to why the defensive line is not producing more pressure or stopping the opposition.
Some say it is the head coach, Matt Patricia, not wanting to show much in preseason. Others say that we’re resting players. Still, others chalk it up to the players adjusting to the new two-gap system.
Like many things, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle. The Lions have one sack through three preseason games, and that will not cut it during the regular season. Also, they have not defended the run very well, either.
More from SideLion Report
- Top 5 revenge games on the Detroit Lions 2023 schedule
- Lions center Frank Ragnow optimistic about continuing to play through toe injury
- Detroit Lions 2023 preseason schedule: Dates, times and opponents
- A new contract extension projection for Lions quarterback Jared Goff
- 4 wide receivers the Detroit Lions could still look to acquire this offseason
Overall, looking at the talent on the line, it doesn’t look bad. On paper, Ziggy Ansah, Sylvester Williams, A’Shawn Robinson, and Anthony Zettel seem legit. Behind the starters, you have Kerry Hyder, Rick Jean Francois, Alex Barrett, Da’Shawn Hand (rookie), Jeremiah Ledbetter, Christian Ringo, Cam Johnson, Jeremiah Valoaga, and Josh Fatu (rookie).
Many fans have been particularly critical of Robinson, who is in his third year. His presence has not shown up on film much this preseason, although he played in a two-gap system at Alabama and was a second-round pick of the Lions in 2016. Many talent evaluators view the third year of a player’s career as a make-or-break year. Failure to put it all together could lead to the Lions moving on in 2019.
The Lions appeared to have brought in help at end, signing Robert Ayers. The thinking seemed simple, get pass rush help. The next day, he was released without explanation. It has been speculated that he decided to not show up for practice, ending his tenure in the Motor City. At some point, the details will emerge.
Prediction: Ansah, Williams, Robinson, Zettel, Jean Francois, Hyder, Hand, Barrett are likely. I wouldn’t rule out another move to add experience and pass rush.
Quarterbacks & miscellaneous
All preseason Jake Rudock and Matt Cassel have been battling for the backup job. Neither player has had a great preseason. Will the Lions keep the experienced veteran and the developing, younger guy? It all seems like an exercise in futility, though. Most of us know what happens if anything were to happen to Matthew Stafford, the season goes into the toilet.
Brandon Powell, cousin of former Jacksonville Jaguar Denard Robinson, has made his case to stay. The undrafted rookie from Florida has scored on punt returns and has had good production as a slot receiver.
Next. The Detroit Lions All-Time Defensive Team. dark
Who else do you think is a tough cut for the Lions to make, or what position is it tough to cut anyone? Follow me on Twitter CoachKirk @mkirk2 for more Detroit and Michigan sports, plus some other random content. Kick in the Crotch Weekly, signing off!