Football games can be won and lost down in the trenches. Sunday’s playoff rematch between the Lions and Rams will be no different. Particularly, the Lions’ offensive line against the new-look defensive front of the Rams.
By now, everyone knows that future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald has retired. Every offensive line besides the Rams can sleep a bit easier knowing they don’t have that nightmare matchup to worry about anymore. However, the Rams will not be without power up front and the Lions will be ready for that.
The Rams spent their first two draft picks addressing the defensive front, both from Florida State. First it was edge-rusher Jared Verse, who will play outside linebacker in the Rams’ 3-4 front. Then it was Braden Fiske, who will play defensive end. The two combined for 15 sacks for Florida State in 2023. Fiske went on to be named Player of the Week at the Senior Bowl.
However, this isn’t the ACC anymore. This is the NFL. Verse and Fiske now get to go up against a Lions’ offensive line that was recently ranked No. 1 by Pro Football Focus. That includes two of the best tackles in the game in Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, both of which received new contracts this offseason.
The interior matchups are just as important and intriguing on both sides. Center Frank Ragnow and guard Graham Glasgow are back with newcomer Kevin Zeitler joining them. The man he replaced, Jonah Jackson, will be on the opposing sideline Sunday night.
The Rams will counter with tackle Kobie Turner, who made an argument for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 with nine sacks. 2021 fourth-round pick Bobby Brown will join him up front. Neville Gallimore and Tyler Davis will also be in the mix inside.
The Rams were actually one of the bottom ten teams in terms of sacks as a team in 2023 with 41. Eight of those are gone with the retirement of Donald but as mentioned before, Verse and Fiske combined for 15 last season at Florida State.
The Lions have a strong offense in part because of how good their offensive line play is. The Rams have a good and young defensive line that is hungry to get revenge from the playoffs along with some rookies ready to start making a name for themselves, particularly Verse, who had some polarizing scouting reports within the media and wants to prove the doubters wrong.
The Lions have to keep Jared Goff clean and able to get the ball to his receivers as well as allow Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to continue being the strong one-two punch they were in 2023. That starts up front. A huge moment awaits Sunday night.