Exit Interviews: Run blocking improved, protection dipped as Lions' face offseason decisions at guard
Wrapping up the Detroit Lions’ 2024 season, we’re doing a position-by-position evaluation of the roster. Today, we’ll focus on the play of the team’s offensive line.
The straightforward stats
Each of the starting five appeared in at least 14 games in 2024, with four making 16 or more starts and logging more than 90% of the offensive snaps. The team utilized a handful of backups throughout the year, with Dan Skipper, Christian Mahogany and Kayode Awosika being called upon to make spot starts.
Run blocking played a key role in the team rushing for the franchise's most yards since 1981 and the most yards per carry since Barry Sanders topped 2,000 in 1997. Regarding pass protection, the team allowed 152 pressures and 33 sacks, both ranking in the top half of the league.
Advanced metrics
When you look at the pass-blocking efficiency compared to pressures allowed, the numbers aren’t nearly as good, given the Lions ranked 23rd in dropbacks last season. Pressures are subjective, assessed differently by various entities, but the team ranked in the bottom half of the league in pressure rate via most tracking services.
Left guard Graham Glasgow was a weak point. After a stellar campaign in his return to Detroit the previous season, his play slipped after he was moved to the left side of the line in 2024. He allowed a team-high 36 pressures while left tackle Taylor Decker surrendered a unit-worst eight sacks, matching his 2023 total.
When it came to running the ball, the Lions utilized far more zone-blocking schemes than the previous year. That reflects not only the line’s athleticism but also how it best suited the backs. The results are difficult to argue. The ground game improved its average yards before contact from 2.5 to 2.6.