The Detroit Lions enter Week 10 facing quite the dilemma when it comes to their offensive line. Starting left guard Christian Mahogany was placed on injured reserve this week, and both starting tackles—Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell—are currently battling shoulder injuries and started the week by resting during Wednesday’s practice. That’s not even including the struggles from the unit in general, as Jared Goff is trending toward a career high in sacks, and the Lions’ run game has taken a significant step back from last year’s dominance.
On Wednesday, Lions coach Dan Campbell said the team was exploring several options, including significant shakeups on the line.
“I think we’ll start right now as usual. (Kayode Awosika) Yode goes in and then we may start putting (Trystan) Colon in some spots here and move these guys around today and tomorrow,” Campbell said. “So, we’ll start as we kind of ended that game the other day and then maybe we start moving some pieces around. So, that’s kind of where I’m at now. Doesn’t mean that I will do it but I mean I’d like to do it today at least a play or two and see what that looks like, see where we’re at. Maybe some walkthrough reps.”
They also brought in a cavalry of reserves, signing three new offensive lineman to their practice squad on Wednesday.
That brings us to today’s Question of the Day:
What is the best starting offensive line combination for the Lions right now?
My answer: Sometimes I think the easiest solution is also the best. Plugging Kayode Awosika at left guard seems like the best way to make things work, without blowing everything up.
First, let’s talk about some other options. Some have suggested plugging in Trystan Colon at center and moving Graham Glasgow to left guard. While I remain open to the idea that Colon could be an upgrade at center—while also acknowledging I actually have no idea if that’s true—moving Glasgow to left guard seems like a poor idea. He struggled there last year, and didn’t particularly love playing that side, where he openly admitted he was less comfortable. Colon at center and Awosika at left guard is certainly an option, and those two have likely repped together often as reserves in practice. But change doesn’t always mean improvement. If there’s a “shakeup” option that I would consider, it may be that one, though.
I am fully against moving rookie Tate Ratledge anywhere at this point. While center may be in his future, he’s been focusing on right guard this season, and putting those extra responsibilities on a rookie is asking for more trouble. Keep him at right guard and let him grow.
As for the tackle positions, I’m just crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. Penei Sewell talked to the media on Wednesday, and sounded hopeful for his chances to play this week:
Less is known about left tackle Taylor Decker, but I’m choosing to believe that because “knee” wasn’t on his injury report, there’s a good chance he’ll go. If not, Detroit could be in trouble, because Dan Skipper also didn’t practice, and Giovanni Manu is still on injured reserve. I suppose Devin Cochran would be the next man up if both Decker and Skipper can’t go.
So, in short, here’s my ideal lineup for Sunday:
LT: Decker
LG: Awosika
C: Glasgow
RG: Ratledge
RT: Sewell
But I would also be open to trying:
LT: Decker
LG: Awosika
C: Colon
RG: Ratledge
RT: Sewell
What’s your favorite offensive line combination for this week? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
