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Lions midseason grades: Offense – Macomb Daily

Online Niel November 14, 2024

The Detroit Lions are off to an outstanding start in 2024, winning seven straight games to reach the unofficial halfway mark of their season with an 8-1 record.

Since teams play 17-game seasons, the Lions are officially past the halfway mark of the regular season. They have their sights set on being the last team standing and have proven worthy of that so far this season.

The offense was one of the best in the league, ranking in the top 10 in the league in points and yards. There are several players on the roster who are among the best in the NFL at their respective positions.

Here are the grades for each position group based on their first half performance:

Quarters: A-

Before a five-interception performance against Houston, Jared Goff had been in tears. He had a passer rating over 100.0 for six straight games and led the league in completion percentage before the Texans game.

Outside of the Texans game, Goff has been exactly what the Lions needed him to be – a distributor who runs the ball in an efficient manner and can make big throws when needed.

His no-nonsense demeanor was on full display, leading the team to wins in Houston, Green Bay and Dallas. He limited his turnovers and worked his way into the MVP conversation early in the year.

The veteran also had a perfect performance against Seattle as he completed all 18 of his pass attempts in the team’s victory.

Goff looks to be on his way to a Pro Bowl season and has been exactly the leader the team needed him to be. He was excellent in the middle of the season.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown and celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)

runners: A-

Detroit’s 1-2 punch of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs has been elite in the first half of the season. While Gibbs got off to a slightly slower start, he led the team in rushing yards and averaged 5 yards per carry in each of the team’s first eight games.

Montgomery was also solid. Although he was held to under 50 yards in three of the team’s last four games, he had some huge moments early in the season, such as his dominant performance in the overtime win in the season opener.

The veteran also earned an extension before the team’s game against Dallas, signing two more years after his original contract expires after next season.

Both Montgomery and Gibbs could finish the year with over 1,000 rushing yards, which would mark the first time in franchise history that has happened.

Wide receivers: B+

One of the biggest weaknesses of the Lions roster entering the regular season was the lack of wide receiver depth. The group was in good hands led by All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown, but there were only three others on the active roster, set up by an unproven Jameson Williams.

St. Brown has been consistent as ever, scoring in seven straight games. Williams, meanwhile, is in the midst of a breakout season as he has already surpassed his total yards from his first two seasons combined.

The Lions were also helped by the emergence of veteran Tim Patrick, who was signed to the practice squad after final cuts and eventually elevated to the active roster. Patrick hauled in 12 passes for 177 yards while also making several key blocks.

Kalif Raymond had a huge special teams game against the Titans and contributed a pair of touchdowns this season. As a result, the depth turned out nicely in the Lions’ favor.

Detroit has a strong receiving corps, led by St. Brown, who is on pace for a second straight 1,000-yard season. The USC product added a touchdown pass to his resume as he hit Goff for a score against Seattle.

Williams was reliable when available as his season was inhibited by a brief suspension. However, he has had several big games and gives the team a scary deep threat against opposing defenses.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) sprints toward the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP) Photo/Jerome Miron)

Tight ends: B

After a record-breaking rookie year, Sam LaPorta’s workload dropped somewhat in his second campaign. Some of that is a result of the Lions simply not throwing as much, as Goff has thrown 30 passes in just three games so far.

LaPorta was still steady when called upon, avoiding drops and accounting for several big plays. He had a big catch on a fumble against Dallas and had two huge hits against Houston.

The second-year tight end’s status for the team’s Week 11 game against Jacksonville is up in the air because he suffered a shoulder injury against Houston.

Brock Wright was a reliable secondary option, although he was used primarily as a run blocker. It’s also worth noting that Shane Zylstra took over the third tight end job from Parker Hesse, who was recently released after serving as the team’s fullback earlier in the year.

Offensive line: B+

The Lions’ offensive line was as advertised for much of the 2024 campaign as Penei Sewell headlined an elite group. Sewell was phenomenal once again, coming off an All-Pro campaign without allowing a sack and just 11 total pressures through the first nine games.

Frank Ragnow suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle in Week 3 and missed just one game, another sign of his trademark toughness. Sewell and Ragnow are the two highest-rated Detroit players by Pro Football Focus in terms of overall offensive grade.

Taylor Decker has been useful despite recent struggles and missed last week’s game against Houston after suffering an injury in practice. Also, Graham Glasgow and Kevin Zeitler have proven to be ideal veteran anchors at the guard spot.

Detroit has had to address its depth at several points this season as Zeitler, Ragnow and Decker all missed games. Kayode Awosika made two starts, while Dan Skipper filled in at left tackle for Decker against the Texans.

This article was created by the Detroit Lions On SI staff. For more, visit si.com/nfl/lions

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Lions midseason grades: Offense – Macomb Daily

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Lions midseason grades: Offense – Macomb Daily

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