First quarter grades for the disrespected Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions Defensive Line

This is an area of the roster that looked like a definite strength coming into the season. However, the Lions have given up over 124 yards on the ground per contest to opposing teams.

In particular, Damon Harrison, A’Shawn Robinson, and Mike Daniels were supposed to plug the interior but Daniels has been hurt, Harrison has been mediocre, and only Robinson has really been a force early this campaign.

Among the ends and edge defenders, free-agent acquisition, Trey Flowers, has been very good versus the run and has been solid as a pass rusher. Like last year, much of the pressure in the Lions defense comes from the linebackers while the Lions often only rush three to four men. Of their 9.0 sacks, only 3.0 have come from defensive linemen.

Romeo Okwara has played well as a situational starter while Da’Shawn Hand has yet to play after a successful rookie season was derailed by injury. Undrafted rookie Kevin Strong was a pleasant surprise for the fifty-three man roster and he has rotated in to spell the starters.

Grade: C-, with this much talent it’s difficult to say that the first quarter is indicative of the results we should expect up front. The sack numbers won’t ever be huge but they’re allowing opponents too much room in the run game to award a higher grade.