'It Sucks': Lions Need Healthy Offensive Line More Than Ever
The Detroit Lions struggled offensively against the Chicago Bears for a variety of reasons.
Among the most glaring issues facing the Lions is the offensive line not performing to the expected standards they themselves have created.
Prior to the season, the unit was heralded as potentially being one of the top offensive lines in the entire National Football League.
Unfortunately, the starting five have never really had an opportunity to play together on a consistent basis.
Jonah Jackson, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow have all battled various injuries through the first 13 games of the 2023 season.
"It sucks. But another thing I think we all understand as well is -- it seems like, it's been every year in the league for me, it kind of comes with the territory unfortunately, playing offensive line," Ragnow told reporters. "I think you look around the league, there's not going to be many groups that are able to keep the same five.
"And if you are, it's a huge hat off to them. It sucks," Ragnow continued. "But also, it's great to see that we have some depth and some guys stepping in too. And it gives other guys opportunities to step up and really shows our room."
With the offensive line struggling, Jared Goff is under duress much more, his turnovers have skyrocketed and the production in the third quarter has been lacking.
Combined with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson not having his best stretch calling plays, the team's perceived strength having a solid offensive has actually hindered the team, regularly putting the defense in challenging positions.
"We definitely, we know," Ragnow said, when asked about the past two subpar performances by the offensive line. "We as a group take a lot of pride in ourselves. We understand that this team kind of goes as we go. And if we're not going well, it's probably more than likely not going to be a good day. And we take a lot of pride in that. And we know that. We know we gotta right the ship, and we will."
Head coach Dan Campbell has made his feelings know regarding the importance of playing cleaner football.
When asked if Campbell has been irritable this week, Ragnow noted, "He's definitely made sure everything's sharp, but I wouldn't say I've noticed anything incredibly different."
