Lions Offensive Line Already a Clear Roadblock for Super Bowl Chances

Over the past few seasons, the Detroit Lions' offensive line has been among the top in football. Their dominating presence wore opponents down, leading to them playing worse the next week. However, entering this season, there were questions about how the unit would perform.

With center Frank Ragnow's surprising retirement, Detroit would be supporting an entirely new interior of the offensive line in 2025. Lions fans quickly realized how different the team looks without even average interior offensive line play in their Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers. If the interior offensive line play doesn't shape up quickly, the Lions' chances of making a Super Bowl run drop significantly.

Lions Interior Offensive Line Was a Glaring Issue in Week 1

In Week 1, the Lions center and offensive guards allowed three sacks, two quarterback hits, four quarterback hurries, and nine quarterback pressures, according to PFF. Moreover, none of them logged above a 55.0 overall grade.

Center Graham Glasgow had the worst performance, earning himself a 43.6 overall grade. One of his worst plays of the day came on a fourth-quarter run when the Lions were backed up inside their five-yard line. On this play, Glasgow and right guard Tate Ratledge were blocking the air while Rashan Gary and Colby Wooden tackled David Montgomery at Detroit's own one-yard line.

Ratledge even admitted his debut wasn't the best. After the game, the rookie said, "Obviously, starting (with) myself, I got to go out there and be better. I did not have my best game where I needed to play (well). Did not play to this team's standard, especially not this offensive line room's standard. So, I've got to go in, go to work, and try to get better from it."

Hearing these words from a rookie should excite fans. Typically, rookies aren't this self-critical. Sure, most will tell you if they had a bad game, but also mention that they are still learning. Ratledge didn't do that and instead took full responsibility because he understands the Lions are striving for greatness.

Despite the other two linemen not speaking with the media after the game, they also likely understand that they didn't play up to standards. Be that as it may, it's paramount that everyone plays better moving forward. If they fail to do so, the offensive line will remain a clear roadblock standing between the Lions and a Super Bowl run in 2025.

Packers injury report reveals concerning development at cornerback

The Green Bay Packers had no issue covering for Nate Hobbs’ Week 1 absence. Carrington Valentine filled in as CB2 and, thanks in part to a vicious pass rush, the Lions got nothing going in the pass game – or on offense in general.

The Packers play their second opponent of the season on short rest, facing off with the Commanders on Thursday Night Football. Hobbs again appeared on the injury report as a limited participant in practice throughout the week. Heading into the game, he retains a questionable tag, as in Week 1.

In addition to Hobbs, the Packers got more bad news at cornerback. Bo Melton, the third stringer on Sunday, has been ruled out for tomorrow’s contest. Kickoff could find the Packers uncomfortably thin at the position.

CB issues pose concern; rest of injury report bears no bad surprises

With the Melton news, Hobbs’ status becomes all the more important, not just for the starting lineup but depth purposes in case of an injury mid-game. Valentine and Keisean Nixon held it down on Sunday, but missing both Hobbs and Melton, the Packers would turn to Micah Robinson as the first guy off the sidelines. The rookie 7th-rounder was activated from the practice squad last week due to Hobbs’ injury.

A lack of depth won’t matter if Nixon and Valentine once again stay on the field for every snap, but still, it’s not ideal. In case of a blowout game late, it also leaves Matt LaFleur few options to get the starters off their feet on a short week. Hobbs suiting up, slotting Valentine back to CB3, would make a big difference.

Along with Melton, the Packers have also ruled out defensive lineman Brenton Cox. Both players were DNPs in practice this week.

Micah Parsons is listed as questionable, but that’s to be expected as he ramps up from a back injury. After playing 29 of 65 snaps against Detroit, he logged limited participations throughout the week. Same goes for safety Zayne Anderson.

On the offensive line, Zach Tom and Aaron Banks are also questionable. They did not take part in practice reps, but LaFleur said earlier that both will be game-time decisions.