2011 NFL Predictions: Detroit Lions' Lack of O-Line Talent Will Hurt Run Game

One of the things to keep a close eye on this preseason is how the Detroit Lions' run game performs. The Lions have moved up in the last two drafts to pick up running backs, Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure. With Best as the lead back, the running game never took off the way it was supposed to in 2010.

A lot of fans want to blame Best’s toe injuries for his lack of production in the run game, but that is simply not the reason. Prior to getting injured in the third game of the year against the Minnesota Vikings, most of Best’s success came in the passing game.

The Chicago Bears held Best to 20 yards on 14 carries in the season opener, not exactly stellar numbers. Best fared a little better against the Philadelphia Eagles the next week, when he managed 78 yards on 17 carries, 33 of which came on one run. 

Now the Lions are hoping that Mikel Leshoure will be able to bolster their rushing attack, but I just don’t see it happening. The Lions return the same five starters on the offensive line this year. This is the same line that, according to Football Outsiders, was ranked dead last in run blocking. 

It seems that the Lions’ brain trust is taking two different paths with their offense and defense. While they continue to stockpile defensive line talent, they continue to ignore the offensive line.

The fact of the matter is that, while center Dominic Raiola might be a great teammate, he is just not that good a run blocker. Along with Stephen Peterman, who the Lions say was hindered by injuries and should be better this year, he has been unable to open up many running room between the tackles. Only left guard Rob Sims seemed to hold his own in the interior of the line last year.

Why the Lions feel it is important to win the battle in the trenches on defense, but completely ignore it on offense, defies explanation. It is possible that they see something in their five starters that I just don’t see.

But the numbers don’t lie. The Lions’ rush game has been sputtering for years; It’s time to build it the right way, and that starts up front.

It might be too late to do anything about it this year, unless they are able to swing a trade for what they feel is an upgrade. The feeling here is that the continued lack of urgency in improving their offensive line will be the Lions’ Achilles’ heel in 2011, and just might be the reason the Lions miss the playoffs for yet another year.