Logan Stenberg Wanted to 'Run Off the Ball and Kill Somebody'

Detroit Lions right guard Logan Stenberg has a good opportunity to earn significant playing time this season.

With the Detroit Lions down two of their top contributors at the guard position, Logan Stenberg stepped into the starting lineup for the first time in his NFL career Sunday.

With Halapoulivaati Vaitai on injured reserve and Tommy Kraemer dealing with a back issue, Stenberg became the logical choice to join the first-team offensive line at right guard. As a result, he took the field with the starters in the regular season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles Sept. 11.

The 2020 fourth-round pick, out of Kentucky, was known for his physicality entering the league. That was on display Sunday, though he got a bit too anxious at times. He committed back-to-back false starts on the Lions’ opening drive.

“Oh yeah, I just wanted to run off the ball and kill somebody,” Stenberg said. “So, it was all about, I was just anticipating the snap count.”

In his first career start, Stenberg received a 25.9 overall offensive grade from Pro Football Focus and a zero in pass-blocking. Though the numbers look grim, the young lineman is committed to improving quickly.

“Run game has always been my strong suit, felt really good in the run,” Stenberg said. “Pass game, a couple reps I wish I could get back, and that’s all technique. So, we’ll just get it cleaned up. We already got it cleaned up in the meeting room, so we’ll get out there on the field and do it throughout the week.”

Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed to reporters the opportunity that presents itself for Stenberg, since Vaitai is out for the foreseeable future.  

"I would say this, at the end of the day, overall it was positive," Campbell said. "It was a positive showing by Stenberg. Inside of the positive showing was ups and downs, alright. But, overall, I thought there was more good than there was not so good. So, it’s definitely something to build off of. He knows it, he’s got an unbelievable opportunity. I mean, you can’t ask for anything better right now, and it’s his for the taking. And, if he wants to continue to help us and continue to improve, that would be great for him, great for us.”

© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Oruwariye has 'tremendous amount’ of confidence in Okudah

Sunday’s season opener served as the return to action for cornerback Jeff Okudah. The 2020 No. 3 overall pick missed 16 games in 2021, after suffering a torn Achilles in the season opener against San Francisco.

The year off led many to wonder what his performance would look like upon his return. However, he delivered a showing that many saw as optimistic, given the circumstances of his injury.

Okudah’s teammates, such as fellow starter Amani Oruwariye, have plenty of belief that the young corner can right the ship, after a difficult start to his career.

“Tremendous amount (of confidence),” Oruwariye said. “Like I told him, I think he played with a lot of gratitude for just being on the field. It’s been a while since he’s played a full game, and you know, it showed and I’m happy for him. I’m happy to see him stack another week together, and hopefully, we can come out with a win.”

PFF credited the Eagles with four completions on five attempts against Okudah in coverage. When it came to tackling, the former Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back finished with 11 tackles.

“It didn’t feel like he missed a beat,” Oruwariye said. “Obviously, there’s stuff to clean up. We always have stuff to clean up after a loss. But, I think he looked good. I think he looked comfortable.”

Goff on identity of Lions' offense

Detroit posted 35 points in its first game under new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Though the unit went through struggles at points, particularly in the first half, quarterback Jared Goff and company got on a roll in the second half.

Moving forward, the signal-caller wants the offense to continue making the big plays that were showcased late in the game as the Lions fought back into contention.

As he explained, the quarterback wants the team’s identity to attack defenses and be unpredictable.

“A team that’s gonna apply pressure and, you know, put the defense on their heels a little bit and keep them guessing in some ways,” Goff said. “Is it gonna be a run? Is it a pass? Is it a jet? Is it a screen? Is it a draw? And, be able to keep them guessing.”