In a move that surprised many and upset others, the Detroit Lions decided on Wednesday to waive defensive end Anthony Zettel in favor of signing former New York Giants DE Romeo Okwara.
Source: the Lions have waived DE Anthony Zettel and claimed DE Romeo Okwara off of waivers from the Giants.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 5, 2018
http://gty.im/1019717188
Zettel started all 16 games for the Lions in 2017, collecting 7.5 sacks along the way. The move upset many Lions fans because the pass rush is one of the team’s biggest weaknesses heading into the 2018 season. But, those who have a better understanding of Matt Patricia’s defensive system realize that Zettel was not a good fit.
I agree with your parting statement, but Zettel wasn't actually good. His sack production was flukey and a lot of his run stops came on hustle plays. https://t.co/RxErV6G5un
— Bryce Rossler (@btrossler) September 5, 2018
Though Zettel may not be a great fit for the Lions moving forward, four teams attempted to claim him off of waivers. Two of those teams were the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings with the Cleveland Browns ultimately landing Zettel’s services.
A total of four teams put in a waiver claim on DE Anthony Zettel, per source: the Browns, Packers, Chargers and Vikings. Cleveland had top waiver wire priority.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 7, 2018
In a division that has Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins, it will be crucial that the Lions defense can provide a consistent pass rush. If they cannot make that happen, it will be a very long season. But let’s face it, if the pass rush was bad in 2017 with Zettel starting, would it have been better with him around in 2018? Probably not.
BONUS CONTENT:
The wait is just about over as the Detroit Lions will take the field against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football in less than a week.
Will the Lions improve on their 9-7 (non-playoff) 2017 season or will they take a step back. Heck, to be honest, it is quite possible that they have a better all-around team but do not post a better record because of a tough schedule.
With 53-man rosters finalized around the league (or at least as finalized as they can be as they are fluid), it’s time to take a stab at predicting each and every Detroit Lions regular season game. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
To see how I believe the Detroit Lions will fare in 2018, please click on the link below.
https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-lions-news/ddrysdale/2018-detroit-lions-game-by-game-predictions/09-2018/195643/
