Roundtable: Lions' Roster Strengths and Weaknesses
1.) What is the best part of the Lions' roster?
Vito Chirco: To me, it's the offensive side of the ball, and specifically the offensive line. Anchored by center Frank Ragnow and tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, the O-line is arguably one of the best lines in the entire league, as long as everyone stays healthy. This line should be opening up lanes for D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams to run through all season long, and should do a solid job of keeping Jared Goff upright. Once again, to me, the offensive line is the best part of Detroit's offense and team, as a whole, entering the 2022 campaign.
John Maakaron: Detroit's offensive line is among the most talented units in the entire NFL. The hype has been warranted, and if the members of the line are able to remain healthy, Detroit's offense will greatly benefit. Penei Sewell is poised to have a very solid second season. Also, once Jameson Williams returns, Detroit's wide receiving corps is also very intriguing.
2.) What concerns you the most about the roster?
Chirco: It's the linebackers group. There's no bonafide playmaker at this position, in my opinion. I don't trust Alex Anzalone leading the way, and the verdict's still out on what second-year pro Derrick Barnes can do. Meanwhile, as much as '22 sixth-round pick Malcolm Rodriguez was a preseason sensation, you still have to give him time to grow into the position. So, at this juncture, I see the aforementioned unit as the weakest part of the team's roster.
Maakaron: While the defense should be improved, I am concerned about how the linebackers and cornerbacks on the roster will perform. Tackling must improve for the entire defense, and the secondary must start the season playing well. Jeff Okudah starting the season strong would be quite the confidence boost for a defense looking to improve in every statistical metric.
3.) Did the team pick the best backup quarterback?
Chirco: I'm not so sure about that being the case. I think the Lions are set to enter this season with a clear-cut void at backup quarterback. I don't believe Nate Sudfeld is the answer, and I don't think either David Blough or Tim Boyle would have been, as well. I agree with my colleague John Maakaron that if Jared Goff goes down for any extended period of time, Detroit will struggle to win a single game. The backup QB situation is certainly not an opportune one to be in, and it's something that could hold the Lions back from taking the next step as a team in 2022.
Maakaron: Isn't it interesting the Lions backup is the signal-caller the Eagles turned to when they were tanking? I do not have any expectation that Nate Sudfeld will win games for Detroit, should Jared Goff get injured. It is time to accept that Detroit isn't really prioritizing the backup QB position at this point in its rebuild. If Goff goes out for any extended period of time, the season is over.
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
4.) Which player are you most excited to follow this season?
Chirco: I'm going to say linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. He was a standout performer throughout training camp, and looked like the best player at his position for most of camp. Despite being a late-round pick, he looks like he has the potential to be a tackling machine, at least one day. I'm excited to follow him and see how he develops, as the 2022 season progresses.
Maakaron: I think this is the most important season in Jared Goff's NFL career. If he succeeds, he has an opportunity to remain in Detroit for many more seasons. If he struggles, his run in Motown could come to an end, as early as the end of the season. I am curious to see how Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's scheme can benefit Goff's game, as the team will need to score points early and often against Philadelphia.
5.) What are the odds the Lions beat the Eagles in Week 1?
Chirco: To me, the Eagles are clearly the better team going into this Week 1 matchup. Led by signal-caller Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia's offense has the potential to have a big day against Aaron Glenn's unit. I'm predicting the Eagles to pull out the victory. So, I'll give Detroit a 35 percent chance of starting the '22 regular season 1-0.
Maakaron: This is really a tough matchup for the Detroit Lions. The Philadelphia Eagles have a solid run game, a mobile quarterback in Jalen Hurts and added a weapon in A.J. Brown. The key will be for the Lions to play with a lead in front of the home fans at Ford Field. The team was blown out by the Eagles last season, so I expect a much closer game this time around. The biggest question mark will be how the team executes in late-game situations. I give the Lions a 40 percent chance of securing a victory in the home opener.
