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Lions gain confidence thanks to strong offensive line: “We can achieve anything”

The Detroit Lions’ offensive line had faced some struggles in recent weeks, but they proved their strength in last week’s dominant victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

When this line is healthy and performing at its peak, the Lions feel unstoppable.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell reflected on the offensive line’s performance, saying that when they play at such a high level, the team can do anything, regardless of the play calls or strategy.

“We can do anything,” Campbell stated. “They started strong and finished strong, playing at a high level.”

He praised the offensive line’s key players — Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, Kevin Zeitler, and Penei Sewell — for setting the tone in the game.

In the 52-6 blowout, quarterback Jared Goff was not sacked and threw for 412 yards, four touchdowns, and a perfect passer rating. The rushing attack was also strong, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combining for 144 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries.

The return of left tackle Taylor Decker, who had missed a game due to a shoulder injury, was a key factor in the performance.

Additionally, Ragnow and Zeitler, both of whom had missed time earlier in the season, were back in top form.

The offensive line’s resurgence has played a major role in Goff’s recent success; after being sacked four times in consecutive weeks, he’s been sacked only once in the past three games.

Ragnow, who’s been playing through a partially torn pectoral muscle, has been a standout, ranking third among all NFL centers according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).

He’s the second-best run blocker at his position and has recently returned to his expected level of performance in pass protection.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson emphasized Ragnow’s importance, calling him the “quarterback” of the offensive line, and noted that he’s playing some of the best football of his career.

Zeitler, a new addition to the starting five, has also impressed, ranking third among all offensive guards. He’s settled in quickly and has exceeded expectations.

Glasgow, while further down the rankings, continues to be a reliable and versatile contributor.

Meanwhile, Sewell has established himself as one of the top tackles in the league, ranking third overall by PFF.

Sewell has allowed no sacks this season, with only 13 pressures over 640 offensive snaps.

Decker, who has allowed six sacks this season, has had some injury struggles but remains a dependable pass protector at left tackle.

His ability to handle tough matchups, like Jacksonville’s talented edge defenders Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, was on display in the blowout win, where he allowed just two pressures.

Both Sewell and Decker are ranked in the top 15 among all offensive tackles in terms of pass-block win rate.

Despite facing injuries and missing players at different points in the season, the Lions’ offensive line has proven to be one of the best in the NFL, providing a stable foundation for the offense.

This offensive line gives the Lions the confidence to execute their game plan every week.

Offensive line coach Hank Fraley described the pride and determination that defines his group. Even when the team loses, the linemen take their performances seriously.

“The worst is sometimes leaving the stadium and knowing you didn’t do your best,” Fraley said. “The guys are always trying to be better.”

He shared how his players, after a night game, were texting him at 1 a.m. asking when the film would be available, eager to review what went wrong, rather than focusing on what went right.

Fraley’s comment highlights the mentality of the offensive line: a group committed to improving week in and week out.

Their mindset is built on pride and a constant desire to be better, which has helped make the Lions’ offensive line one of the most powerful and consistent units in the league.

The team’s success on both sides of the ball starts with this unit, and their dominance up front gives the Lions the confidence to execute their game plan with conviction every week.

In conclusion, despite some earlier struggles, the Detroit Lions’ offensive line is once again proving its worth, offering both stability and dominance.

With key players like Ragnow, Sewell, Decker, Zeitler, and Glasgow, this line is giving the offense a solid foundation, enabling the Lions to play their best football.

The consistency and resilience of the offensive line are key reasons why the team is able to perform at such a high level, week in and week out.

 

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