National opinions vary on the success the Detroit Lions will have in 2017. The consensus in Las Vegas is that the Lions will win 7 or 8 games this season. That is not exactly what Lions fans are hoping for. My first look when the schedule came out showed a 10 win season, but I am growing weary of that opinion. I think this team has the talent to make the playoffs and even contend in the NFC, but one particular part of this team must shine to have any hope: The Offensive Line.
The Offensive Line has taken a few hits with injuries to Taylor Decker and Corey Robinson, but with the addition of T.J. Lang, Rick Wagner, and recently Greg Robinson they still have potential. Graham Glasgow and Travis Swanson have another year under their belt and should be primed to take another step in their careers. If this group can stay healthy and get some play time together they are more than capable of being an above average group in the league.
https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-lions-news/sbrophy/detroit-lions-position-battles-offensive-line/95131/
Once Decker returns it will just be a bonus and I think the group of backups are solid to take up slack if called upon. The first goal is to keep Stafford upright and give him time to throw. Ebron is primed to dominate and become a top five Tight End in this league. Marvin Jones Jr. and Golden Tate should be very productive and Kenny Golladay can be that ultimate threat we need to replace what we lost when Calvin Johnson departed. The second goal is to get this running game back to respectability. With Ameer Abdullah back to health and Theo Riddick doing damage in the passing game, this offense should average 30 points a game. However, none of this works unless the Offensive Line performs.
Travis Swanson helping to lead Lions new-look offensive line https://t.co/jgckUbAaGk
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) August 21, 2017
I anticipate a lot of stress for Lions fans with a number of high-scoring shootouts. We have at best a middle of the pack defense, especially with the recent loss of Hyder Jr. On a good note, while I am not completely fond of Jim Caldwell, I do believe we are in good hands with our coordinators Jim Bob Cooter and Teryl Austin. This is a tipping point season that must show progress and upward movement or we could be looking at some lean years. The difference between 5-11 and 10-6 is just a few big plays in crucial moments. A competitive Offensive Line is a must. We have the talent, now they just need to gain confidence in each other and produce.
