Earlier this week, we published our latest SB Nation Reacts survey, sponsored by the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook, asking Detroit Lions fans one question: Would you prefer the Lions to shift Penei Sewell to LT or keep him at RT?
For this hypothetical exercise, most Lions fans said their preferences aligned with what coach Dan Campbell said at the owners’ meeting this week:
“I’ve talked to him. We’re ready to do that if need be. I don’t want to say that right now I’m going to commit to that, but that’s – we’re ready to do that. And all he wants is a couple days to work his left-handed stance a little bit. It’s a little bit like riding a bike for him. He’ll be fine. He’ll be fine. He’ll bank some reps and be able to do it, but he gives us that flexibility.
“If you’re asking me, I’d like to move him. I would. I’d like to move him to the left.”
Let’s take a look at the results from this week’s survey:
Let’s take a look at the comment section of our original survey for explanations on why fans voted the way they did (slightly edited for clarity) — though opinions seem to be very wide ranging:
- PrideLander: “ABSO—LUTELY! The only reason he didn’t play there straight out of college is because we had Decker. Given his natural ability and experience playing on the blindside, it would be crazy to draft someone of lesser ability (Penei is an All-Pro), to see if they can do the job. Draft a natural RT (like Miller) and eliminate the Guesswork!”
- JayBDet: “Yes, he’s getting paid like an LT, and that blindside being protected is one of the fundamentals of football. With him being in that position from the start of camp, he will be fine (remember he played there in college), and we can get our hopefully 1st round new RT in shape for the coming season.”
- Defend the Den: “My ultimate preference is to keep Sewell at RT and to have a Pro Bowl LT magically appear out of thin air (written in sarcastic font). Since that is very unlikely, I think Sewell moving to LT seems like the most probable scenario. Only drafting Freeling or Lomu would make me consider otherwise, but if any other rookie OT is competing with Borom for a starting role, I’d feel much better with them at RT.”
- ThomasK: “I agree with the Lions take on the matter. If the roster would be best served by him moving to the left side, then they’ll do it. If it is best served with him staying on the right side, that’s where he’ll be. It’s a hypothetical that will be answered by necessity in roughly a month.”
Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. If you want to get these surveys emailed to you weekly, you can sign up here.
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