Lions Coaching Staff Addresses Offensive Line Concerns

Following the loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has openly acknowledged the flaws in the team's pass protection, making it a critical focus as they prepare for their upcoming games.

The Lions allowed 11 quarterback hits during that game, the most they have allowed in a single outing since Week 17 of the previous season. Campbell admitted that there was a flaw in their protection plan that they were slow to adjust to, which significantly impacted their offensive performance.

Notably, running back Jahmyr Gibbs was called upon frequently to assist in pass protection, spending over 35% of his snaps in that role. This over-reliance on Gibbs in pass protection is concerning, as he struggled significantly, allowing seven pressures in his 15 snaps, including one sack.

Campbell stated, 'We don’t want to have Gibby do a full game of it,' indicating that the coaching staff recognizes the need to better utilize Gibbs's skills as a runner rather than a blocker. In light of the injuries, particularly the long-term leg injury to starting left guard Christian Mahogany, the Lions' coaching staff is actively evaluating potential trades to bolster the offensive line.

Campbell confirmed that they have looked into offensive line targets ahead of the trade deadline, which is set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Despite initially expressing skepticism about making moves, he noted that the loss to the Vikings could prompt a change in strategy.

Campbell explained the challenges of acquiring offensive linemen, emphasizing that they are a scarce resource and teams may demand a high price for them. He mentioned that they may look to shuffle their existing roster, with players like Kayode Awosika, Trystan Colon, and Michael Niese being potential in-house options to fill the gap left by Mahogany.

Furthermore, Campbell suggested the possibility of moving players around different positions to find the right combinations on the line. He expressed optimism about the health of tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, who both left the game against the Vikings briefly before returning, indicating that they might be ready for the upcoming match against the Washington Commanders.

Overall, it is clear that the Lions are facing significant challenges with their offensive line, and how they address these issues in the coming days will be crucial for their performance moving forward.