The Detroit Lions’ problem on the offensive line is a good one
By Robert Jones
A solid starting point for the Lions offensive line
We all know what happened. Rookie Penei Sewell was moved over to his natural position of left tackle against San Francisco. After an inconsistent preseason at right tackle, Sewell put on a show against really stiff competition; Nick Bosa.
Matt Nelson who took over for Sewell at right tackle was sufficient. Dee Ford beat Nelson like a rented mule when he was in the game, but overall, Matt did alright and the offensive line as a whole did well.
Before the game started to get out of hand, the Lions ran the ball well. Not only did they run well, but it was against a good front seven. San Francisco can play in the trenches on both sides of the ball, but the Honolulu Blue and Silver looked good running it.
Sure Jamaal Williams slipped on fourth down and was stopped short of the first down on Detroit’s first drive of the game, but the running backs were productive. D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams are both talented, but the key to the rushing game being productive was the patchwork offensive line.
#Lions Week 2 injury report: "No concerns" about D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams injuries@erikschlitt with more: https://t.co/7xrhuDO8Fr
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) September 17, 2021
Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn wanted to run the ball and they did a pretty good job of it. Unfortunately, since the defense couldn’t get another stop after recovering a 49er fumble on their first play of the game, the Lions found themselves in a 31-10 hole at halftime.
That was pretty much the end of Detroit’s game plan to run, run, run.
However, even though the Lions had to go to the air and the 49ers knew it, the line still protected Jared Goff pretty well. Sure Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, and Kentavious Street were each able to register a sack, but again this is a really good front seven that San Francisco can throw at teams and the Lions offensive line, minus one of their top players, made a good stand against them.
In the end, was it good enough? No, because the Lions still lost despite their final frantic comeback, but there is no question that was a very solid starting point for Dan Campbell’s offensive line.