Fans of the Detroit Lions are accustomed to watching the team during the Thanksgiving holiday. However, in a press conference on November 7, Lions left guard Jonah Jackson mentioned a feast he expects to see on the football field this season.
“I feel like we’re still hitting our stride,” Jackson said to the press. “In seven games, we’ve used eight different [offensive line] lineups.” We’re only getting started, and the feast is about to begin.”
The timing of the Lions’ Week 9 bye appears to be working in their favor. Jackson, who has missed the last three games due to an ankle injury, is expected to return against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10.
Frank Ragnow, the starting center, could also return. Jackson and Ragnow both had full practices on November 8.
Having each lineman return would help to put an end to the Lions’ offensive line revolving door this season.
The Lions’ offensive line is getting better.
As Jackson pointed out, the Lions have used a variety of offensive line combinations this season. In addition to injuries at left guard and center, the Lions have dealt with injuries at left tackle and right guard at various points this season.
Everyone has felt out of place at some point in their lives. When left tackle Taylor Decker was out for the first two weeks of the season, right tackle Penei Sewell shifted to Jared Goff’s blindside.
With the return of Jackson and Ragnow, the offensive line appears to be ready to solidify. Graham Glasgow has performed so well in their absences that head coach Dan Campbell has indicated he could remain in the starting lineup.
“I believe so.” “I think that’s fair,” Campbell said to reporters on November 8 when asked if Glasgow had earned a starting spot. “We’re constantly evaluating Big V (Vaitai), and V is still working on it.” Graham, on the other hand, has been useful to us.
“He’s been productive at three different positions — left guard, center, and most recently right guard.” So he’s been a huge help to us. That was a good signing for us, and we’re lucky to have him. He’s a consistent, dependable piece for us.”
Jackson also praised Graham and the rest of the Lions’ depth offensive linemen. Despite the fact that Graham was not expected to start before the season, Jackson described the offensive line as “back,” with Graham still expected to start.
“At long last, we’re back. “The band has reformed, and it’s time to perform,” Jackson said. “Simple as it is.”
In Week 10, the Detroit offensive line will be put to the test.
However, things will be difficult for the Lions’ offensive linemen who are returning from injury. In Week 9, the Chargers recorded 8 sacks and limited the New York Jets to 64 rushing yards.
Jackson discussed the difficult test that the Chargers will put up on November 12.
“They are just a great front,” he explained. “They’ve got two edge guys and then those big dogs in the middle.”
“It’s a good unit versus another good unit, so it’s going to be a good battle.”
The Chargers rank seventh in the league in both rushing yards allowed per game and yards per carry allowed. They are also tied for second in the NFL in sacks with 31.
However, Jackson appears to be confident that the Lions will have something to “feast” on before Thanksgiving.
