Detroit Lions: Golden Tate, 5 players who must come up big vs. Seahawks

Sep 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) runs past Detroit Lions tackle Riley Reiff (71) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

LT Riley Reiff and Whoever Plays RT

We thought Gosder Cherilus looks bad, but the unfortunate thing is that youngsters Cornelius Lucas and LaAdrian Waddle have been even worse at the right tackle position through the season’s first three games. They aren’t the only two linemen to blame for the Lions abysmal showings through the air, but they have received by far the most scrutiny. Lucas was benched early on in last week’s loss to the Broncos, but Waddle played arguably worse when forced to step in and face the NFL’s premier defense.

It obviously won’t get easier for whoever starts at right tackle this week, because the Seahawks pass rush is almost as deadly. Riley Reiff and either starter at right tackle will have their hands full against Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril, but the scariest part is that those two elite DEs aren’t the only top-notch pass rushers that the Seahawks possess. Bruce Irvin is always a threat off the edge, and rookie Frank Clark has had a sensational start to his NFL career.

The Lions have been unable to use Stafford’s arm strength due to their woeful lack of protection, and, unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the Lions QB will have a chance to test Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and the Seahawks secondary this week; I don’t anticipate the protection getting any better right now.

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