Will Detroit Continue to Use Guard Rotation Remainder of Season?

Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Lions' offense reverted to rotating its guards. Read more on if it will continue as the season progresses.

The Detroit Lions and head coach Matt Patricia talk about performing consistently on a regular basis. 

For an offensive line to perform at its peak level, it is generally believed that the unit gels over a period of time.

On Sunday against Jacksonville, it appeared Patricia and the coaching staff were willing to upset the apple cart yet again. 

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© Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports

After two successful touchdown drives, Detroit's offense rotated out its starting guards -- Jonah Jackson and Halapoulivaati Vaitai -- in favor of Joe Dahl (left guard) and Oday Aboushi (right guard).

Some believe it was done to work the returning Dahl back into the rotation, while others were befuddled by the decision entirely because of how well the starting offensive line had played up until that point. 

Will this highly debatable trend continue moving forward?

"I'm thankful actually that we did roll everybody through. Like I said, we played eight offensive linemen today. So, that was great for everybody to get out there and play. It was just what we were trying to get done here for today," Patricia replied when he was asked postgame. 

Many had believed this trend had come to an end, based on the lack of a guard rotation through the first four games. 

The use of a guard rotation will continue to be debated, and explored as Detroit's offense looks to constantly improve its play on the field. 

Rushing attack performs exceptionally well 

Against Jacksonville, Detroit was able to rush on 39 occasions for 180 yards and three scores. 

D'Andre Swift became the first Lions rookie running back to have a 100-plus yard rushing game and two or more touchdowns since Barry Sanders. 

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!