The Detroit Lions Offensive Line Has an Important New Training Weapon

Much has already been written about how the Lions offensive line will benefit this year from the continuity that resulted from retaining four out of five of last year's starters, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, and offensive line coach George Yarno.

The addition of Rob Sims at left guard is widely viewed as a solid upgrade over any of the patchwork players the Lions were forced to rotate in and out of that position last year.

Sims, heading into his fifth season in the league, will start between two 10-year veterans, left tackle Jeff Backus and center Dominic Raiola.

So far, by all reports, Sims' integration into the starting lineup has been seamless.

Some other moves the Lions have made on offense will also make it easier for the line to be more effective.

Drafting Jahvid Best this year gives Detroit a speedy, dangerous-in-space running back who can hit holes fast.

Trading for tight end Tony Scheffler lets the Lions utilize their other quality tight ends, Brandon Pettigrew and Will Heller, more effectively as blockers.

And, of course, quarterback Matt Stafford will begin this season with 10 NFL games under his belt and an entire offseason to establish an invaluable rapport with all of his now-considerable arsenal of offensive weapons.

This will improve his decision-making and timing, providing him with a lot more opportunities to quickly identify and take advantages of mismatches.

However, one important factor that will help improve the play of the Lion's offensive line has been largely overlooked.

It's a fact that practicing day-in and day-out against a significantly improved defensive line rotation Monday through Saturday will greatly improve its effectiveness on Sundays.

Very simply, if you want to improve as an individual, you not only have to continually challenge yourself, you have to be challenged during practice, and not just by other players at your position.

If you want to improve as a unit, it helps to work against a good opposing unit.

Now that Ndamukong Suh has signed his contract and taken his place on the defensive line, he completes Detroit's suddenly formidable D-line rotation.

Besides Suh, the core Lions D-line rotation will likely include multiple Pro-Bowl defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, tackles Corey Williams (a 4-3 quarterback pressure specialist) and former rookie 12-game starter Sammie Hill, as well as defensive end edge rush speedsters Cliff Avril, Jared DeVries, and Turk McBride.

"Vanden Bosch going against Jeff [Backus] every day is going to make Jeff a better player and will make Vanden Bosch a better player," said George Yarno.

Tara Ryan, Lions website writer, noted on August 3 that "...it's already evident that some of the offseason acquisitions on both sides of the ball will have their advantage in preparing the offensive line for the season."

"Going up against veterans like defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and defensive tackle Corey Williams in practice will serve as a tool to improve their skills and prepare for competition."

It has been years since any Detroit offensive line unit has had the opportunity to practice against as talented a defensive line as the Lions will field this year.

When coupled with the other advantages mentioned above, fans can look forward to watching an offensive line that will give our many skill players the opportunity to shine come game time.