Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images While the Colts endured a disappointing season collectively, Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner remained key league standouts individually. According to ESPN Analytics’ Seth Walder (subscription), the Indianapolis Colts have two players ranked among his ‘Top 100 real NFL MVP Candidates’ of the 2024 season—as both All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson (59th) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (73rd) made the advanced statistical cut: 59. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts There’s often an assumption that once offensive linemen are considered good, they’re permanently treated as such. But like any other position, great offensive linemen can have down games or seasons. Nelson started his career with three consecutive first-team All-Pro selections, but his pass protection rates slipped in 2022 and 2023 to below average and close to average, respectively. The old Nelson returned in 2024. His 94% pass block win rate ranked seventh-best at the position, while his 77% run block win rate was third. He was clearly the best guard in football. 73. DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts Both standouts were among the few bright spots individually during what was otherwise a disappointing 2024 season for the Colts—in which Indianapolis failed to make the playoffs yet again (which they haven’t done since 2020), let alone win an elusive division title (which hasn’t happened for the franchise since the 2014 season ended respectively). During all 17 starts, Nelson earned a +81.3 overall grade (via PFF), which was the 4th best among all offensive guards. Specifically, in 608 total pass blocking snaps, Big Q allowed just 3.0 sacks and 20 total QB pressures. In run blocking, his +79.7 grade helped pave the way for star workhorse Jonathan Taylor to rush for over 1,400 yards and 10+ touchdowns. Despite every other Colts starting offensive lineman missing time, Nelson was the lone catalyst in every start, helping to anchor Indy’s interior line once again. Meanwhile, Buckner recorded 6.5 sacks, 35 total QB pressures, 61 total tackles (24 solo), 8 tackles for loss, and a pass defensed during 12 games (11 starts). He was PFF’s 7th highest graded interior defender with a +81.9 overall grade—featuring a +77.1 pass rushing grade.
Colts’ Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner ranked among ESPN’s ‘Top 100 Real NFL MVP Candidates’ for 2024 season
Colts’ Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner ranked among ESPN’s ‘Top 100 Real NFL MVP Candidates’ for 2024 season
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images While the Colts endured a disappointing season collectively, Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner remained key league standouts individually. According to ESPN Analytics’ Seth Walder (subscription), the Indianapolis Colts have two players ranked among his ‘Top 100 real NFL MVP Candidates’ of the 2024 season—as both All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson (59th) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (73rd) made the advanced statistical cut: 59. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts There’s often an assumption that once offensive linemen are considered good, they’re permanently treated as such. But like any other position, great offensive linemen can have down games or seasons. Nelson started his career with three consecutive first-team All-Pro selections, but his pass protection rates slipped in 2022 and 2023 to below average and close to average, respectively. The old Nelson returned in 2024. His 94% pass block win rate ranked seventh-best at the position, while his 77% run block win rate was third. He was clearly the best guard in football. 73. DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts Both standouts were among the few bright spots individually during what was otherwise a disappointing 2024 season for the Colts—in which Indianapolis failed to make the playoffs yet again (which they haven’t done since 2020), let alone win an elusive division title (which hasn’t happened for the franchise since the 2014 season ended respectively). During all 17 starts, Nelson earned a +81.3 overall grade (via PFF), which was the 4th best among all offensive guards. Specifically, in 608 total pass blocking snaps, Big Q allowed just 3.0 sacks and 20 total QB pressures. In run blocking, his +79.7 grade helped pave the way for star workhorse Jonathan Taylor to rush for over 1,400 yards and 10+ touchdowns. Despite every other Colts starting offensive lineman missing time, Nelson was the lone catalyst in every start, helping to anchor Indy’s interior line once again. Meanwhile, Buckner recorded 6.5 sacks, 35 total QB pressures, 61 total tackles (24 solo), 8 tackles for loss, and a pass defensed during 12 games (11 starts). He was PFF’s 7th highest graded interior defender with a +81.9 overall grade—featuring a +77.1 pass rushing grade.
Colts’ Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner ranked among ESPN’s ‘Top 100 Real NFL MVP Candidates’ for 2024 season
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images While the Colts endured a disappointing season collectively, Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner remained key league standouts individually. According to ESPN Analytics’ Seth Walder (subscription), the Indianapolis Colts have two players ranked among his ‘Top 100 real NFL MVP Candidates’ of the 2024 season—as both All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson (59th) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (73rd) made the advanced statistical cut: 59. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts There’s often an assumption that once offensive linemen are considered good, they’re permanently treated as such. But like any other position, great offensive linemen can have down games or seasons. Nelson started his career with three consecutive first-team All-Pro selections, but his pass protection rates slipped in 2022 and 2023 to below average and close to average, respectively. The old Nelson returned in 2024. His 94% pass block win rate ranked seventh-best at the position, while his 77% run block win rate was third. He was clearly the best guard in football. 73. DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts Both standouts were among the few bright spots individually during what was otherwise a disappointing 2024 season for the Colts—in which Indianapolis failed to make the playoffs yet again (which they haven’t done since 2020), let alone win an elusive division title (which hasn’t happened for the franchise since the 2014 season ended respectively). During all 17 starts, Nelson earned a +81.3 overall grade (via PFF), which was the 4th best among all offensive guards. Specifically, in 608 total pass blocking snaps, Big Q allowed just 3.0 sacks and 20 total QB pressures. In run blocking, his +79.7 grade helped pave the way for star workhorse Jonathan Taylor to rush for over 1,400 yards and 10+ touchdowns. Despite every other Colts starting offensive lineman missing time, Nelson was the lone catalyst in every start, helping to anchor Indy’s interior line once again. Meanwhile, Buckner recorded 6.5 sacks, 35 total QB pressures, 61 total tackles (24 solo), 8 tackles for loss, and a pass defensed during 12 games (11 starts). He was PFF’s 7th highest graded interior defender with a +81.9 overall grade—featuring a +77.1 pass rushing grade.
Colts’ Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner ranked among ESPN’s ‘Top 100 Real NFL MVP Candidates’ for 2024 season
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images While the Colts endured a disappointing season collectively, Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner remained key league standouts individually. According to ESPN Analytics’ Seth Walder (subscription), the Indianapolis Colts have two players ranked among his ‘Top 100 real NFL MVP Candidates’ of the 2024 season—as both All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson (59th) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (73rd) made the advanced statistical cut: 59. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts There’s often an assumption that once offensive linemen are considered good, they’re permanently treated as such. But like any other position, great offensive linemen can have down games or seasons. Nelson started his career with three consecutive first-team All-Pro selections, but his pass protection rates slipped in 2022 and 2023 to below average and close to average, respectively. The old Nelson returned in 2024. His 94% pass block win rate ranked seventh-best at the position, while his 77% run block win rate was third. He was clearly the best guard in football. 73. DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts Both standouts were among the few bright spots individually during what was otherwise a disappointing 2024 season for the Colts—in which Indianapolis failed to make the playoffs yet again (which they haven’t done since 2020), let alone win an elusive division title (which hasn’t happened for the franchise since the 2014 season ended respectively). During all 17 starts, Nelson earned a +81.3 overall grade (via PFF), which was the 4th best among all offensive guards. Specifically, in 608 total pass blocking snaps, Big Q allowed just 3.0 sacks and 20 total QB pressures. In run blocking, his +79.7 grade helped pave the way for star workhorse Jonathan Taylor to rush for over 1,400 yards and 10+ touchdowns. Despite every other Colts starting offensive lineman missing time, Nelson was the lone catalyst in every start, helping to anchor Indy’s interior line once again. Meanwhile, Buckner recorded 6.5 sacks, 35 total QB pressures, 61 total tackles (24 solo), 8 tackles for loss, and a pass defensed during 12 games (11 starts). He was PFF’s 7th highest graded interior defender with a +81.9 overall grade—featuring a +77.1 pass rushing grade.
Ray Davis injury update and status vs. the Ravens in the NFL Playoffs | Jan. 19, 2024
The AFC Divisional Round has Ray Davis and the Buffalo Bills squaring off with the Baltimore Ravens at 6:30 PM ET on Sunday, Jan. 19. Watch Ray Davis and the Bills vs. Ravens on Fubo! Will Ray Davis play in the AFC Divisional round? Davis is currently listed on this week’s injury report (questionable, concussion). No other RB is listed on the injury report for the Bills. More Bills news Ray Davis’ 2024 stats Davis has 442 rushing yards on 113 carries (26.0 ypg), with three trips to the end zone. Davis also has 17 catches for 189 yards (11.1 ypg) and three receiving scores. Bills’ next game Matchup: Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Time: 6:30 PM ET Date: January 19, 2025 TV channel: CBS Live stream: Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply) Live stream: Paramount+ (Regional restrictions may apply) Watch Ray Davis and the Bills vs. Ravens on Fubo! Ray Davis’ 2024 game log Week 1 at Cardinals: 3 CAR, 13 YDS, 0 TD, 1 REC, 14 YDS Week 2 at Dolphins: 9 CAR, 29 YDS, 0 TD, 1 REC, -1 YDS Week 3 at Jaguars: 7 CAR, 22 YDS, 1 TD, 1 REC, 1 YDS Week 4 at Ravens: 7 CAR, 11 YDS, 0 TD Week 5 at Texans: 0 CAR, 0 YDS, 0 TD, 1 REC, 4 YDS Week 6 at Jets: 20 CAR, 97 YDS, 0 TD, 3 REC, 55 YDS Week 7 at Titans: 5 CAR, 41 YDS, 1 TD, 1 REC, 6 YDS Week 8 at Seahawks: 6 CAR, 29 YDS, 0 TD Week 9 at Dolphins: 4 CAR, 20 YDS, 0 TD, 2 REC, 70 YDS, 1 REC TD Week 10 at Colts: 3 CAR, 6 YDS, 0 TD Week 11 at Chiefs: 5 CAR, 11 YDS, 0 TD Week 13 at 49ers: 11 CAR, 63 YDS, 1 TD, 1 REC, 4 YDS Week 15 at Lions: 7 CAR, 15 YDS, 0 TD, 2 REC, 14 YDS, 1 REC TD Week 16 at Patriots: 5 CAR, 12 YDS, 0 TD, 1 REC, 17 YDS Week 17 at Jets: 6 CAR, 9 YDS, 0 TD, 1 REC, 4 YDS Week 18 at Patriots: 15 CAR, 64 YDS, 0 TD, 2 REC, 1 YDS, 1 REC TD Wild Card at Broncos: 1 CAR, 3 YDS, 0 TD Watch Ray Davis and the Bills vs. Ravens on Fubo! Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Bills Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Ray Davis injury update and status vs. the Ravens in the NFL Playoffs | Jan. 19, 2024
The AFC Divisional Round has Ray Davis and the Buffalo Bills squaring off with the Baltimore Ravens at 6:30 PM ET on Sunday, Jan. 19. Watch Ray Davis and the Bills vs. Ravens on Fubo! Will Ray Davis play in the AFC Divisional round? Davis is currently listed on this week’s injury report (questionable, concussion). No other RB is listed on the injury report for the Bills. More Bills news Ray Davis’ 2024 stats Davis has 442 rushing yards on 113 carries (26.0 ypg), with three trips to the end zone. Davis also has 17 catches for 189 yards (11.1 ypg) and three receiving scores. Bills’ next game Matchup: Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Time: 6:30 PM ET Date: January 19, 2025 TV channel: CBS Live stream: Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply) Live stream: Paramount+ (Regional restrictions may apply) Watch Ray Davis and the Bills vs. Ravens on Fubo! Ray Davis’ 2024 game log Week 1 at Cardinals: 3 CAR, 13 YDS, 0 TD, 1 REC, 14 YDS Week 2 at Dolphins: 9 CAR, 29 YDS, 0 TD, 1 REC, -1 YDS Week 3 at Jaguars: 7 CAR, 22 YDS, 1 TD, 1 REC, 1 YDS Week 4 at Ravens: 7 CAR, 11 YDS, 0 TD Week 5 at Texans: 0 CAR, 0 YDS, 0 TD, 1 REC, 4 YDS Week 6 at Jets: 20 CAR, 97 YDS, 0 TD, 3 REC, 55 YDS Week 7 at Titans: 5 CAR, 41 YDS, 1 TD, 1 REC, 6 YDS Week 8 at Seahawks: 6 CAR, 29 YDS, 0 TD Week 9 at Dolphins: 4 CAR, 20 YDS, 0 TD, 2 REC, 70 YDS, 1 REC TD Week 10 at Colts: 3 CAR, 6 YDS, 0 TD Week 11 at Chiefs: 5 CAR, 11 YDS, 0 TD Week 13 at 49ers: 11 CAR, 63 YDS, 1 TD, 1 REC, 4 YDS Week 15 at Lions: 7 CAR, 15 YDS, 0 TD, 2 REC, 14 YDS, 1 REC TD Week 16 at Patriots: 5 CAR, 12 YDS, 0 TD, 1 REC, 17 YDS Week 17 at Jets: 6 CAR, 9 YDS, 0 TD, 1 REC, 4 YDS Week 18 at Patriots: 15 CAR, 64 YDS, 0 TD, 2 REC, 1 YDS, 1 REC TD Wild Card at Broncos: 1 CAR, 3 YDS, 0 TD Watch Ray Davis and the Bills vs. Ravens on Fubo! Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Bills Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
James Cook player props odds, tips and betting trends for the NFL Playoffs | Bills vs. Ravens
Here are the key stats and trends you need to know about James Cook and his player prop bet options. He’ll take the field Sunday starting at 6:30 PM ET on CBS. In the AFC Divisional Round, Cook’s Buffalo Bills (13-4) will take on the Baltimore Ravens (12-5). The game is at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Watch James Cook and the Bills vs. Ravens on Fubo! James Cook props for AFC Divisional round Matchup: Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Time: 6:30 PM ET Date: January 19, 2025 Rushing yards prop: Over 55.5 (-115) Receiving yards prop: Over 12.5 (-111) National Football League odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds updated Saturday at 10:23 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Cook rushing stats and trends Cook averages 63.1 rushing yards per game, 7.6 greater than Sunday’s over/under. In 50.0% of his games (eight of 16 matchups) so far, he has rushed for more than 55.5 yards. The average rushing yards prop bet Cook has had set this season (60.5) is just a bit lower than his rushing yard average on the year (63.1). In eight of 15 opportunities this season (53.3%), Cook has gone over his rushing yards prop total. He had multiple rushing touchdowns in four games this season, while scoring in 12 games. Bills vs. Ravens stats and trends Conceding 80.1 rushing yards per game, the Ravens have the best run defense in the NFL. The 244.1 yards per game the Ravens are giving up through the air makes them the NFL’s 31st-ranked pass defense. The Bills are totaling 227.9 passing yards per game on offense, which ranks them ninth in the NFL. Defensively, they rank 24th, surrendering 226.1 passing yards per game. On offense, the Bills rank ninth in the NFL with 131.2 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, they rank 12th in rushing yards allowed per contest (115.5). The Bills are putting up 6 yards per play (seventh in the league), while surrendering 5.8 per play on the defensive side of the ball (21st in the NFL) this season. Watch the NFL on Fubo! Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Bills Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
James Cook player props odds, tips and betting trends for the NFL Playoffs | Bills vs. Ravens
Here are the key stats and trends you need to know about James Cook and his player prop bet options. He’ll take the field Sunday starting at 6:30 PM ET on CBS. In the AFC Divisional Round, Cook’s Buffalo Bills (13-4) will take on the Baltimore Ravens (12-5). The game is at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Watch James Cook and the Bills vs. Ravens on Fubo! James Cook props for AFC Divisional round Matchup: Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Time: 6:30 PM ET Date: January 19, 2025 Rushing yards prop: Over 55.5 (-115) Receiving yards prop: Over 12.5 (-111) National Football League odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds updated Saturday at 10:23 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Cook rushing stats and trends Cook averages 63.1 rushing yards per game, 7.6 greater than Sunday’s over/under. In 50.0% of his games (eight of 16 matchups) so far, he has rushed for more than 55.5 yards. The average rushing yards prop bet Cook has had set this season (60.5) is just a bit lower than his rushing yard average on the year (63.1). In eight of 15 opportunities this season (53.3%), Cook has gone over his rushing yards prop total. He had multiple rushing touchdowns in four games this season, while scoring in 12 games. Bills vs. Ravens stats and trends Conceding 80.1 rushing yards per game, the Ravens have the best run defense in the NFL. The 244.1 yards per game the Ravens are giving up through the air makes them the NFL’s 31st-ranked pass defense. The Bills are totaling 227.9 passing yards per game on offense, which ranks them ninth in the NFL. Defensively, they rank 24th, surrendering 226.1 passing yards per game. On offense, the Bills rank ninth in the NFL with 131.2 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, they rank 12th in rushing yards allowed per contest (115.5). The Bills are putting up 6 yards per play (seventh in the league), while surrendering 5.8 per play on the defensive side of the ball (21st in the NFL) this season. Watch the NFL on Fubo! Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Bills Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Discussion: What is the priority No. 1 for the Detroit Lions offseason?
Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images What is the Detroit Lions’ biggest priority as they head into the 2025 offseason? It seems cruel to hard-pivot to the offseason when just 24 hours ago, dreams of Super Bowl trips to New Orleans were dancing in our head. But that’s how the NFL playoffs work. In an instant, everything can be sucked away, and it’s you’re left wondering how it all slipped away in an instant. But the NFL is year round, and today is the beginning of building anew. The story of the Dan Campbell-led Detroit Lions is not written, not by a long shot. Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes will spend the next seven month rebuilding, retooling, and shifting around parts to make sure this is the low point. Saturday’s loss to the Commanders proved that as good as the Lions are, they are far from a perfect team. There’s always something to improve upon, and in Detroit’s case, probably more than we believed for most of the year. So today’s Question of the Day is: What is the No. 1 priority for the Lions this offseason? My answer: The easy answer is to figure out the coaching staff. Now that Detroit’s season has abruptly ended, we’ll likely know sooner rather than later if Detroit will keep zero, one, or both of their coordinators. Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson will be free to do in-person interviews with any teams later this week, and that means they could be hired as soon as possible. The Lions will have to navigate whatever happens, whether it means promoting internally, or going on a coaching search of their own. Beyond that, they really need to invest in the defensive line. Detroit wasn’t helped by injuries this year. Losing Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Marcus Davenport—along with reserve pieces like Kyle Peko, Mekhi Wingo, and John Cominsky—didn’t help. But even looking at the team when fully healthy, the Lions could use another hellraiser on defense. All year, pressure was on the secondary to hold up for an inconsistent pass rush, and when the dams finally broke in the secondary, the defense was lifeless. The return of Hutchinson and McNeill will give the team two of its best defensive players back. But who can provide a consistent pass rush opposite Hutchinson? Who can reliably fill in as the team’s third edge rusher? It’s easy to blame injuries, but I’m not convinced the Lions had enough horses anyways when it came to their pass rush. I’d love to see them invest in it this offseason. What do you want to see the Lions prioritize this offseason? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know.
Discussion: What is the priority No. 1 for the Detroit Lions offseason?
Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images What is the Detroit Lions’ biggest priority as they head into the 2025 offseason? It seems cruel to hard-pivot to the offseason when just 24 hours ago, dreams of Super Bowl trips to New Orleans were dancing in our head. But that’s how the NFL playoffs work. In an instant, everything can be sucked away, and it’s you’re left wondering how it all slipped away in an instant. But the NFL is year round, and today is the beginning of building anew. The story of the Dan Campbell-led Detroit Lions is not written, not by a long shot. Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes will spend the next seven month rebuilding, retooling, and shifting around parts to make sure this is the low point. Saturday’s loss to the Commanders proved that as good as the Lions are, they are far from a perfect team. There’s always something to improve upon, and in Detroit’s case, probably more than we believed for most of the year. So today’s Question of the Day is: What is the No. 1 priority for the Lions this offseason? My answer: The easy answer is to figure out the coaching staff. Now that Detroit’s season has abruptly ended, we’ll likely know sooner rather than later if Detroit will keep zero, one, or both of their coordinators. Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson will be free to do in-person interviews with any teams later this week, and that means they could be hired as soon as possible. The Lions will have to navigate whatever happens, whether it means promoting internally, or going on a coaching search of their own. Beyond that, they really need to invest in the defensive line. Detroit wasn’t helped by injuries this year. Losing Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Marcus Davenport—along with reserve pieces like Kyle Peko, Mekhi Wingo, and John Cominsky—didn’t help. But even looking at the team when fully healthy, the Lions could use another hellraiser on defense. All year, pressure was on the secondary to hold up for an inconsistent pass rush, and when the dams finally broke in the secondary, the defense was lifeless. The return of Hutchinson and McNeill will give the team two of its best defensive players back. But who can provide a consistent pass rush opposite Hutchinson? Who can reliably fill in as the team’s third edge rusher? It’s easy to blame injuries, but I’m not convinced the Lions had enough horses anyways when it came to their pass rush. I’d love to see them invest in it this offseason. What do you want to see the Lions prioritize this offseason? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know.
