SideLion Report
FanSided

First quarter grades for the disrespected Detroit Lions

By Michael Kirkland

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass during the first quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Ford Field on September 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass during the first quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Ford Field on September 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 8
Next
(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images
(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images /

Detroit Lions Offensive Line

After a really productive rushing performance versus the Chiefs (186 yards), the Lions broke into the top ten from the middle of the pack, previously. Despite the rough outing in Arizona, the passing game has only allowed a total of 7.0 sacks of quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2019, as well.

Only the Baltimore Ravens, Chargers, and Chiefs have more plays of over twenty yards, too, which shows that they are giving Stafford time to let downfield routes to develop on many occasions.

They have been subbing or rotating Graham Glasgow, Joe Dahl, and Kenny Wiggins at guard. Taylor Decker has recovered well from a poor Week 1, which we later found out he was playing while hurt. A look at the numbers tells a story that you already know, the Detroit Lions are a better pass-blocking team than a run blocking team.

They have let their quarterback get hit 22 times (ranked 16th) and the average rush only gets 3.9 yards (ranked 23rd), so it’s not all sunshine and roses, either. According to stats on Football Outsiders, the Lions rank 24th in yards per carry, low on most run metrics,  but are eighth in adjusted sack rate.

Grade: B-, the Lions have the same five guys together this year, albeit shuffled around a bit, to give the team stability in the offensive trenches. The run game still needs to improve and be more consistent but the line has mostly given Stafford a good pocket to throw from.

Home/Lions News