The Detroit Lions spent most of their offseason working hard to make sure quarterback Jared Goff stays protected. They drafted offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round and traded players. But to an analyst, their efforts to secure Goff might not be enough.  

“A lack of offensive line continuity causes Jared Goff to hit a wall, and a stacked team proves it has been figured out in a second consecutive dud season,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon in one of his reports on April 30.

Last season, due to a weakened offensive line, Goff got sacked a career-high 38 times.

Gagnon believes that if the new players don't learn to work together quickly, it could affect the team’s offensive performance. Questions remain as the Lions are moving on from veteran leaders Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. Because of those departures, the team will have two brand-new starters this fall. 

Furthermore, they are moving their best lineman, Penei Sewell, from the right side of the line to the left side. Sewell is one of the top offensive linemen in the league with four Pro Bowl honors in five seasons. But he will be playing a new position while trying to protect Goff’s blind side.

Young guards like Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge are returning. The Lions also signed free agent center Cade Mays to lead the group. But just because Detroit invested heavily in the offensive line, there is no guarantee that it will be better.

It all depends on one factor, that is, the new additions playing as a united team. 

After all, strong offensive line play comes down to chemistry, communication, and timing. Minor breakdowns can quickly turn into pressures and sacks. With several new starters and position switches, the Lions need this group to gel quickly.

Jared Goff Is Still Confident of His Offensive Line

Goff admitted that he will miss veteran players like Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. But he, at the same time, understands why the team made those moves and is ready to work with the new players. 

“They’ll be just fine,” Goff said in an interview with The Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett on April 19. “I’m excited to see Penei [Sewell] step into even more of a role in that room being the longest-tenured guy now.” 

However, Goff has not publicly commented on Miller specifically. Beyond the rookie Clemson Tigers tackle, the Lions have signed Larry Borom in free agency.

Miller and Borom will battle for the RT1 spot during camp, though Miller has the edge right now thanks to his athletic ability and overall potential. Borom remains a reliable backup option.

The team is currently preparing to see how all these pieces fit together. Goff and his new protectors will get the chance to practice as a unit during the upcoming team workouts scheduled between May 27 to May 29.

What are your thoughts on these changes? Share in the comments.

Read more at Detroit Lions Community.

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar