PFF declares Lions position group one of the best in NFL
One major factor that plays into the high expectations for the Detroit Lions ahead of the 2023 season is the team’s elite offensive line group. For every great offense, there is an equally productive offensive line that paves the way for success. Injuries got in the way of what was an otherwise strong season up […]
One major factor that plays into the high expectations for the Detroit Lions ahead of the 2023 season is the team’s elite offensive line group.
For every great offense, there is an equally productive offensive line that paves the way for success. Injuries got in the way of what was an otherwise strong season up front for Detroit, but it certainly provided the Lions with something to build off of in the upcoming season.
Center Frank Ragnow anchors Detroit’s O-Line and is coming off of his second Pro Bowl season after allowing just one sack last year.
The interior offensive line is where the only concerns lie, as RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai is returning after missing the entire 2022 season due to back surgery.
Lions starting left guard Jonah Jackson had lingering injury issues as well, but he should be ready to hit the ground running in the fall. Detroit has received tremendous returns on Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker who bookend the group, and are primarily responsible for keeping Jared Goff’s jersey clean.
There is a lot to like about this offensive line group. So much so that Pro Football Focus ranks Detroit as the NFL’s No. 5 offensive line entering 2023.
From PFF: Detroit’s interior was a revolving door last season, with several problems along the way. The return from injury of Halapoulivaati Vaitai at guard could be huge, both literally and figuratively.
Detroit’s offensive line never ranked outside the top 10 in the rankings last season and should be notably better with a healthy interior.
Former Lions running back Jamaal Williams was the primary beneficiary behind the Lions' physical bunch in the trenches just a season ago. However, the keys to the backfield have been handed over to David Montgomery.
Montgomery should be licking his chops and dreaming about running through gaps so large that a tractor could plow through them. The Lions' offense will determine just how far the team can go in 2023. If Detroit can improve upon last year's production, the sky is the limit for this team.
Featured image via Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
