Jeff Backus: Protector of Lion Quarterbacks Past, Present, and Future

Matthew Stafford, if you’re reading this—remember this number.

That’s the number of times a Lion quarterback was sacked in 2008—second most in the NFL.

A little perspective for you, Mr. #1 Draft pick: That’d be eight more times than you were sacked during your entire career at Georgia.

Now that I’ve got your attention on the offensive line, you’re probably wondering the same thing as the rest of us: Where’s the offensive line help?

Don’t get it wrong, the Lions have made some improvements this offseason on both sides of the ball. The defensive line, the linebacker corps, and the secondary all got better, via free agency and a few smart trades. General Manager Martin Mayhew went out and got their quarterback, their tight end, and their safety in the NFL Draft.

Tight End? Safety?

For a team that ranked 24 in passing, 30 in rushing and total offense, I have a hard time believing a tight end or safety will drastically improve those numbers. Nothing against Brandon Pettigrew or Louis Delmas, [Delmas played at my alma mater] but ignoring the offensive line was Millen-esque.

So, it’s Jeff Backus. The man largely responsible for protecting the $72 million franchise savior is the 31-year-old former Michigan Wolverine who has started in all 96 of his career games.

He has served as protector of the likes of Joey Harrington to Jeff Garcia, from Charlie Batch to Daunte Culpepper. Harrington was sacked 77 times during his time as Detroit’s signal caller, including 24 in 2005—his last year as a Lion. Culpepper was sacked 14 times in five games in 2008.

Backus may not be the wrong guy for the job, but his track record has shown that maybe he’s not the right guy either. If the Lions could have spent their offseason landing a top-tier tackle, Backus could potentially move to guard, shoring up the left side of the line.

The Lions addressed the offensive line last year by taking Gosder Cherilus with the 17th overall pick. He may have a future at right tackle, but does anyone really believe the 24-year-old Cherilus is up to the task of protecting the highest paid rookie in NFL history?

Call me a pessimist, but I don’t see it; Maybe I’m wrong.

The Lions and Matthew Stafford have 72 million reasons to hope I am.