Exploring the Detroit Lions pass protection issues

The Detroit LionsThe offensive line is viewed as one of the best in the entire NFL. However, in recent weeks the unit has allowed an unusual number of bags.

The Lions have allowed the quarterback over the last four games Jared Goff been fired 14 times. Goff was sacked four times in each of the last two. Moving forward and avoiding this trend is at the heart of the entire coaching staff.

“The number of sacks over the last four or five games has been higher than what we’ve seen over the last two years,” offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. “So this is something we talk about as a team. it might help schematically to not put guys on so many islands 1v1. So we look at it every week and it doesn’t really change.

While there have been issues down the line, some of them are the result of good coverage downfield. WITH Goff with an emphasis on not turning the ball over, sometimes holding onto the ball is to blame for his dismissal.

“I also think when you look at Jared and not putting the ball in danger deep down the pitch, we talked about being a little less aggressive and trying to push the ball into tight windows we can score. a few more sacks because he holds onto the ball longer,” Johnson said. “It could also be a result of how we train Jared to play the ball without turnovers. However, the sacks are a point of pressure, especially this week when we face a crew that is their number one priority up front.”

The Packers defense has 12 sacks and plays with an intensity designed to make opposing passers feel uncomfortable. Devonte Wyatt leads the team with three sacks and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper has 2.5.

“They have not four, but eight players up front and they are constantly pushing through them. They attack, penetrate, perform acrobatics, play games, and use violence. We have our work cut out for us,” Johnson said. “It will take everyone. We will need receivers, tight ends, running backs and o-lines.”

Playing “offensive” is the key to the success of special teams

The CrossesThe special teams units had a banner day against Tennessee on Sunday. Great returns from Kalif Raymond and Khalil Dorsey, as well as strong shots from Jack Fox, allowed the Lions to control the game from field position for much of the afternoon.

“A bunch of these guys piled up the blocks and their shooter kind of kicked the shooters covering the field. They didn’t do a very good job of keeping them out,” Fipp explained. “But Leaf started and once the ball got into his hands, the faster the returner plays, the slower the cover play is going to be. I think during this match you saw that Kalif played really fast. He’s on the attack. When you play offense in this game, good things happen to you.

After Raymond’s 90-yard punt touchdown, several players from the starting defense recorded key blocks. Detroit left defenders to cover for a potential fake, and they ended up playing a huge role in Raymond’s outcome.

The players who were able to make key blocks included: Alex Anzalone and Alim McNeill. Meanwhile, James Houston made a solid decision not to block because it could result in a penalty that would prevent the comeback.

“You always try to keep the offense going, no matter what unit it is. Leaf did a great job. “Anzalone had a block at the 57, Branch had a block and we had some players that made good decisions,” Fipp said. “Houston came there and didn’t block any guy because he could have blocked him in the back and it was just good to see that. I would say that sometimes the best moves are the ones you don’t make. The decision not to block the guy or trying to do so truly ends up being one of the best plays ever. Anyway, it’s great to see these guys competing, they know Leaf will compete with the ball in his hands.

Aaron Glenn’s empathy for Jameson Williams

Winger Jameson Williams is back in the headlines as Detroit Police are investigating the circumstances in which he evaded arrest after a gun was found in the car he was traveling in during an arrest in early October.

With Williams currently serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy, his negative attitude overshadows him. However, the Lions coaching staff stuck with the young player despite his mistakes.

Defense coordinator Aaron Glenn he explained why, stating that young players make mistakes and that the emphasis was on him prioritizing decision-making in the future.

“You just have to remind them that times are different,” Glenn said. “When I was growing up, when you were growing up, and what he’s going through now, there was just no place for it. What you’re doing is not allowing yourself to take advantage of everything you can. We all know Jamo, he’s a talent and I want him to be able to do his best because of the talent he has and because of the person he is.

Glenn he noticed that a personal relationship with this player is important because it helps him deal with difficult situations.

“If you don’t really know him, you should get to know him because he’s a really good man,” Glenn said. “That’s the way I look at it. It’s about the relationship you’re talking to. Sometimes it’s not even about football, but more about what I’ve been through and how can I help him?”

Preparing for a game with multiple quarterbacks

The Crosses are preparing to see one of two different quarterback options with the Packers this week. Starter Jordan Love is dealing with a groin injury that caused him to miss last week’s game against the Jaguars and was replaced by Malik Willis.

Love has already missed two games this season with a knee injury, and Willis has won both of his starts. While both passers have different skill sets, coach Dan Campbell believes the Packers will stick to their identity no matter who plays.

“It’s a bit of a different situation, but they will rely on what they do well. They won’t walk away from this. This is your bread and butter, this is your identity,” Campbell said Wednesday. “There will be a few wrinkles, but I think we have a pretty good idea of ​​what we’re going to get regardless of who’s going to be there. Both are very good athletes, both can run and both can cause problems in the pocket.

The Packers hope fans will be able to enjoy the game on Sunday, and local media spotted him at practice on Thursday. He told reporters during Wednesday’s media session that there was a “realistic” chance he would play on Sunday, and as a result Crosses he will be ready if he leaves.

“Definitely Love as a passer. He’s great on offense, giving receivers a chance to make plays with the ball,” Campbell explained. “He has just grown and developed so much since last year. I know there were some picks in his game, but there are other parts of his game that have really improved. He’s a top-notch guy.”