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5 best edge rushers the Detroit Lions will face in 2022

By Brad Berreman

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Brian Burns #53 of the Carolina Panthers before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Brian Burns #53 of the Carolina Panthers before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions have one of the better tackle tandems in the league, but these five edge rushers will provide a challenge. 

It’s now news that the Detroit Lions didn’t have their projected five starting offensive lineman in the league together for a single snap last season. But heading into this year, it is the best unit on the team and one of the best in the league.

If you were making a list of starting NFL quarterbacks who need great protection to operate effectively and don’t operate well “off schedule”, Jared Goff would be near the top. It’s no coincidence he played far better late last season, once left tackle Taylor Decker was back from injury.

Decker and Penei Sewell are easily placed among the better offensive tackle tandems in the NFL. Any edge rusher the Lions will face this year will have a challenge ahead of him. The challenge of course goes both ways, as Detroit faces some top-end edge rushers this season.

Protecting Goff, and keeping him healthy given the situation behind him, is absolutely vital for the Lions’ this season. Here are the five best edge rushers they will face in 2022.

5 best edge rushers the Detroit Lions will face during the 2022 season

Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Matt Judon, New England Patriots

Judon earned his third straight Pro Bowl selection and set a career-high with 12.5 sacks last season, his first as a Patriot. Per Sports Info Solutions, he was also among the leaders (among linebackers) in pressures (67) and tackles for loss (19).

Against the Lions, Judon will primarily line up across from right tackle Sewell.

Lions game against Judon: Week 5

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