Detroit Lions fans, we know what you're thinking reading this headline.
We're about to dive into a diatribe about how the Lions' insistence on standing firm at the deadline, and not going out and snagging a pass rusher, or another defender in the secondary, made the difference between this being a playoff team and one that's likely set to miss the postseason for the first time since 2022.
This gripe extends all the way back to the offseason prior to this season kicking off, which should've been where general manager Brad Holmes looked at the Lions' trenches for what they were by Week 1: a weakened version of what they had the last two years, and two units that would eventually drag this team down.
Frank Ragnow's retirement was a shock, but the lack of moves to shore up both a backup at that position and on the Lions' defensive line are nearly inexcusable.
Lions loss just gave Brad Holmes doubters all the fuel to their fire
Building out the Lions' trenches had to be a priority for the Lions this offseason for two reasons unrelated to Ragnow's retirement. One is that Detroit has one of the best one-two punches on offense in the NFL, with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combining to form what should be a nearly unstoppble running back duo.
The second reason is that Detroit knew heading into this season that Alim McNeil, Josh Paschal, and Levi Onwuzurike would be on the IR leading into Week 1, or just completely missing the season in Onwuzurike's case. Holmes' solution was drafting Tyleik Williams in the 1st round, and Ahmed Hassanein in the 5th round.
Williams has been a solid, and most importantly, healthy, addition to the Lions' defensive line. But, he's still far from becoming a dominant run-stopper. Hassanein hasn't even suited up this season thanks to an injury sustained in the preseason, and it's unlikely we see him elevated from the practice squad over the Lions' final two games.
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As for the offensive line, Detroit had to have known that there was a possibility Ragnow would be leaning towards retiring soon. The Athletic's Colton Pouncy reported as such. And yet, the team decided to lean into drafting guards, taking Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier in 2025.
Ratledge looks like a legitimate starting piece moving forward, while the jury is still out on Frazier who was injured for much of this season.
Not getting a proper center in the draft absolutely killed Detroit's previously dominant O-line, and subsequently, their previously dominant run game and pass protection. The explosiveness, speed, and strength of Sonic and Knuckles only go so far when you can't gain anything past the line of scrimmage.
Detroit has to focus in on its trenches this offseason if it wants to maximize the years it has left with Montgomery, Goff, and in the NFC North in general. They have positional skill players that would make any offensive coordinator weep tears of joy to be able to utilize - same for their defense. Not taking swings necessary to shore up both of these lines would be malpractice on Holmes' part.