This week we are reviewing the All-22 to see how Lions rookie offensive lineman Christian Mahogany did during his first career start against the Bears.
If you are on Twitter (I am never calling it “X”), then you probably saw a change in Detroit Lions rookie offensive lineman Christian Mahogany’s profile picture leading up to the Week 16 matchup with the Chicago Bears. And if you are a nerd such as me, then you were likely pretty excited to watch him make his first career start during the Lions’ convincing 34-17 win over their division rival.
While the rookie may not have been as ruthless as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, he was highly effective filling in at left guard for starter Graham Glasgow. Because of his experience at Boston College, Mahogany was thought of by many as a ready-made starter at the next level.
Gap scheme, zone concepts—Mahogany had seen it all during his time in Massachusetts, making him a natural fit for a Lions offense that likes to mix it up on the ground. Let’s get into the All-22 film and check out how Mahogany fared during his first extended action as a pro.
Climbing to the second level
One of the big selling points of Mahogany’s game during the pre-draft process was his mean streak. Playing with an edge, toeing the line—however, you want to phrase it—some players are experts at existing right in that sweet spot. And when you are playing in the trenches and you possess that trait, even better.
Mahogany is strong at the point of attack and, like almost all offensive linemen, seems to relish climbing to the second level to get his hands on linebackers. In the clip below, we have a handoff to Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs early in the first quarter.
Mahogany gets a nice chip to help out left tackle Taylor Decker and is able to get to the second level to get a block on Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards. Runs like these helped the Lions set the tone early on against Chicago.
Next up we have a similar-looking run, but this time the Lions are up big with under nine minutes left in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jared Goff appears to check into this run on first down, and once again Mahogany is able to help his teammate. This time, he aids center Frank Ragnow before climbing to the second level and getting a hat on a linebacker.
Throughout the game, the Lions’ offensive line got back to their dominant ways and were able to reset the line of scrimmage against Chicago.
Keeping his head on a swivel in pass protection
On top of being effective as a mauler in the running game, Mahogany was also stout as a pass blocker when Goff dropped back to pass.
First up, we have Goff working under center on first down near midfield. After a play fake to Gibbs, Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds attempts to loop around and get to Goff after the offensive line slid right to pick up the extra rusher (Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn). Seeing this, Mahogany comes off of helping Ragnow and picks up Edmunds.
This gives Goff time to find Gibbs for a check down underneath, resulting in a first down for the offense.
Next up we have the very next play from the same series. Goff, once again, executes a play fake to Gibbs from under center, and this time, Decker is left looking for work in pass pro.
He assists his rookie left guard by jarring Chicago defensive lineman Jonathan Ford to the grass. Fellow Bears defensive lineman Chris Williams attempts to run off Ford’s hip, but Mahogany sees it the whole way, sliding his feet, and easily stopping Williams’ progress towards the quarterback. Nice heady play from the rookie, and another first down for Detroit.
Lastly, we have the first play of the fourth quarter against the Bears. It’s third-and-3 inside the red zone, and while Goff’s attempt to All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown fell incomplete, watch Mahogany pick up Edmunds on a delayed blitz.
Operating in space
Another aspect of Mahogany’s game that was on display against the Bears was his ability to get out in space in front of ball carriers.
Watching this live, I had no idea how St. Brown ended up scoring on this third-and-goal attempt late in the first half. Then, when you turn on the All-22, you see how he squeaked into the end zone—great execution from his teammates in the screen game.
Mahogany works laterally for a few steps once the ball is snapped, and then zeros in on Bears safety Kevin Byard III.
Next up we have another screen, this time to running back Craig Reynolds out of the backfield. It isn’t a big gain from Reynolds, but Mahogany does a good job of keeping his assignment off the ball carrier.
Lastly, we have a power-concept from the Lions late in the third quarter. Both right tackle Penei Sewell and right guard Kevin Zeitler execute their blocks to perfection, allowing for both Mahogany and tight end Sam LaPorta to climb to the second level. Plays like these are staples in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s offense, so seeing Mahogany pull like this warms my heart.
He likely will not start now that it appears Glasgow is trending towards being back from injury in Week 17, but knowing that Mahogany is capable of this kind of play coming off the bench is a luxury for the Lions as they enter the final stretch of the regular season.
