The Detroit Lions’ problem on the offensive line is a good one

There is plenty of time to make a decision

The Lions have been picked by many experts to finish with the worst record in the NFL. For many fans who don’t believe in Jared Goff, that means Detroit having their pick of the litter for Motown’s quarterback of the future next April.

Regardless of whether the Lions find a way to surprise everyone or earn that top pick in the draft, the key to this season is how the foundation that Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have built develops.

That foundation being how the Lions play in the trenches, changing the culture, and being competitive.

Against the 49ers the offensive line played well. The defensive line did not shine quite as much, but the porous play at middle linebacker certainly didn’t help. The players also never quit. Sure their comeback came up short and in the process they did face a lot of soft zone coverage in the fourth quarter, but the point is they didn’t give up.

But the offensive line has to be the biggest positive to take out of that game. To perform the way they did, especially Penei Sewell against Nick Bosa, there is no question we should all feel good about the direction they are headed.

Yet the big question everyone is asking is; What will happen when Taylor Decker returns from the injured list?

Dan Campbell is right that there is no need to make a decision right now. Especially since the conundrum everyone perceives to be coming at left tackle isn’t a problem.

There is not one team in the NFL that wouldn’t want the problem of having a veteran left tackle that is coming off an outstanding season and a much-acclaimed rookie left tackle that appears to be everything he was projected to be to choose from.

There are plenty of directions this could go. Whether Decker comes back to left tackle and Sewell is sent back to the right side or the Lions’ trade Decker for future assets, or any other direction it can go, there is plenty of time to make that decision.

If Sewell continues to play well at left tackle there will be a lot to think about. Against Green Bay, there will be another good test for Sewell with Preston and Za’Darius Smith coming off the edge to help out the Packers pass-rush.

If the Lions’ offensive line can continue to build on last week’s performance against the 49ers, then that will not only be a good sign for what Holmes and Campbell are building, but it will also continue to provide Detroit with a good problem.

Lions Game Sunday: Lions vs Packers Prediction and Odds

The Lions face a tough challenge in Week 2 against the motivated Packers in Green Bay. Here's our prediction on how the game shapes up.