Trench warfare is how the Detroit Lions turn it around in 2020

The Offensive Line

Matthew Stafford’s longevity in the NFL will depend on how well he’s protected by his offensive line. Had previous coaching regimes done a better job of this earlier in his career, there is little doubt he would be considered a top 5 quarterback right now.

Stafford’s among the top in the history in the NFL in leading winning fourth-quarter winning drives, despite the Lions only reaching the playoffs only three times in his career. He’s also the youngest quarterback to reach 40,000 yards passing in NFL history. And all of this without a consistent running game and under constant opposing pressure.

With better blocking and the NFL’s new rules for leaving quarterbacks practically untouchable, there’s no reason that the 31-year-old, 11-year veteran can’t play under center in Motown until near age 40.

Bob Quinn has tried to bolster the five-man front with first-round picks left tackle Taylor Decker in 2016 and center Frank Ragnow in 2018. With those two and with 2016 third-round selection Graham Glasgow, they now boast a pretty solid left side. Guards Joe Dahl and Kenny Wiggins and tackle Tyrell Crosby are barely adequate on the right side and the Lions must try to upgrade.

Using 20/20 hindsight, letting guard Larry Warford and tackle Riley Reiff go in free agency set the team back where they need it now the most. The replacement for Warford was free-agent T.J. Lang and he has retired. Ricky Wagner, who was signed to replace Reiff, has proven to be a downgrade.

Wagner’s projected $11.9 million 2020 salary can be better used elsewhere and he should be replaced, perhaps with another of the four choices the Lions have of the top100 or so slots.

Even 2019 first-round pick tight end T. J.Hockenson and free-agent tight end Jesse James were chosen in large part for their blocking skills. Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is well known for his two tight end alignments that benefit both the run and passing game.

By improving the offensive line, Stafford gets an effective running game that can open windows to pass to and keeping other teams pass rushers in check. He came into 2019 in top form, capable of taking this Lions team as far as his supporting cast allows.

Placing the fortunes of this team can no longer be on the veteran signal caller’s shoulders by relying on a last-minute game-winning drive or by him diving headfirst to get a crucial first down. By fortifying the trenches on both sides of the ball as the priority, Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia may get to keep their jobs. And Detroit Lions fans may finally get to watch their home team play well into January.