Will Detroit Continue to Use Guard Rotation Remainder of Season?
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.
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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