Detroit Lions: Studs and duds from big Week 6 win over Jaguars
By Tayyib Abu
Stud: The Defensive Front
After the first four weeks, the Lions run defense was the worst in the league. They were repeatedly gashed by the Saints two weeks ago and it was a major concern for this team. Thankfully, it seems that the bye week has allowed them to work on some things.
They managed to restrict the Jags to just 44 yards on the ground, and the play on the interior from rookie John Penisini was mightily impressive. The coaching staff has repeatedly said you can’t rush the passer if you don’t stop the run, and Detroit’s run defense finally looked like a tough proposition for opposing running backs.
It wasn’t just the run defense though, the pass rush, at last, showed some sign of life. Detroit tends to rush three and drop everyone into coverage. On Sunday, however, there were numerous times they rushed four and sometimes even sent a blitzer from the linebacker corps.
Romeo Okwara and Trey Flowers were able to pressure Minshew, and while the sack column may not show the results, they were able to rush the quarterback. If they can build on this, the Lions defense might finally be getting better.
Dud: Tyrell Crosby, Oday Aboushi, rotating the offensive line
The Lions offensive line has been good for the most part this season. They started very well in Week 6 as well; they were able to protect Stafford and open holes for their running backs.
But strangely, midway through the second quarter, they decided to rotate the impressive rookie Jonah Jackson out for Oday Aboushi. While I can understand the need to rotate linemen throughout a game, you have to do it from a strong position where you have good depth on the line.
The Lions don’t and a consequence of rotating players on Sunday was the run game sputtered, particularly in the second quarter. Abosuhi has not been good enough since he’s been in Detroit and really finds it difficult to play a serviceable role in pass protection and run block.
Tyrell Crosby did not look fit at all and left the game due to dehydration as well. This is a big concern. Linemen need to have good engines and need to be able to perform for 60 minutes. The rotation of offensive tackles may be necessary but the Lions won’t get away with it against better opposition.