Graham Glasgow – Page 2 – Syndication Server

Lions film review: Offensive line gives this team an identity when healthy

Lions film review: Offensive line gives this team an identity when healthy, from Russell Brown

It’s no secret that the Lions offensive line is one of the best in football. When they’re not healthy, the offense can still score. However, when the starting five (from left to right) of Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow and Penei Sewell are on the field at the same time, this team becomes different.

Their identity changes.

The whole script changes for the offense because they’re able to run the ball more effectively and quarterback Jared Goff gets far more comfortable in the pocket. Will Burchfield from 97.1 The Ticket, had a great post on X that showcased the importance of the Lions starting offensive line. It read:

When the starting offensive line is on the field together, the Lions are 5-0 and average an NFL-leading:

38.4 points per game
421.2 yards per game
179.4 rushing yards per game
5.5 yards per carry
Goff has a passer rating of 121.73

If this offensive line can stay healthy as the Lions push to the playoffs, it could be a fun winter for the fans and this team. When looking at the game against the Broncos, it was evident that the offensive line gets after it. They’re physical up front and create endless opportunities for the offense.

With 185 rushing yards and 448 total yards of offense against the Broncos, it was one of the best offensive performances on the season from the Lions. They went 5-for-10 on 3rd down and they converted on their only 4th down conversion of the game. Let’s look at the film to see some of the best blocks of the day from this Lions offensive line.

If you’re a defensive lineman and you get aligned between right tackle Penei Sewell and right guard Graham Glasgow, I wish you the best of luck. Those two together make it a tough day for the opposition when they get to combo block.

The play above is a perfect example. Highlighted are Glasgow and Sewell, and they’re going to double-team Dre’Mont Jones (Broncos DL 93). With the defender aligned in the B-gap as a 3-technique, it makes it a much easier block. Once the ball is snapped, they crash into the defender and take him for a ride.

Jones is one of the better defenders for the Broncos. However, he’s faced with a tough match-up on this rep. They turn him and clear him out of the way so Jahmyr Gibbs isn’t met immediately by contact.

The most consistent and potentially, most dominant offensive lineman for the Lions is Penei Sewell. He’s been so good when run and pass blocking. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Sewell has allowed a 2.8% pressure rate this season. That would be the lowest total for any offensive tackle in football.

Looking at the play above, it’s a pass play for Jared Goff and the Lions. But once the ball is snapped, you can see Sewell highlighted. Once the defensive lineman attacks the outside shoulder of Sewell, you can see that Sewell is under control and not panicking. His foot speed is good but his hand speed is quick and ready to attack. Meanwhile, he hits a snatch-trap technique on the defensive lineman. This forces the defender into the dirt and helps give Goff a clean pocket.

Additionally, look at right guard Graham Glasgow. He looks for work once he knows that Sewell has secured the defensive end. So rather than standing still, Glasgow turns his head inside and gets the ribs of the defensive tackle. Meanwhile, Decker and Jackson do a nice job on an exchange for the left side. Goff is kept clean, it allows the routes to develop and it ultimately leads to a first down for the Lions.

The last play I want to focus on is one where quarterback Jared Goff is given plenty of time. In previous weeks, it felt like Goff was rushing through his reads and progressions. Against the Broncos, he looked more comfortable and much of that is due to the starting offensive line being on the field.

Looking at the play above, the Lions come out in a shotgun formation and once the ball is snapped, the Broncos four-man rush is immediately stopped in it’s tracks. This allows Goff to move in the pocket and scan the field. In the process, he finds Jameson Williams wide open in the middle of the field for a a first down.

Against the Broncos, Goff was only sacked twice and was only pressured 8 times (per Pro Football Reference). He looked more comfortable and much of that is due to the offensive line. Additionally, the Lions offensive line paved the way for the Lions to pile on 185 rushing yards. It was a big win for Detroit as they got their 10th win of the season. It’s evident that when the offensive line is healthy, they give this offense and team a new identity.

Breaking down the Jameson Williams touchdown against the Saints

Breaking down the spectacular Jameson Williams touchdown for the Lions against the Saints

Just a few weeks back, things were looking bleak for Jameson Williams and his young career with the Detroit Lions. Drops were a concern and he was playing limited snaps. However, he’s done the little things over recent weeks and it’s earning him the opportunity to make big plays.

In fact, we’re getting to a point where it feels like Jameson Williams needs to be slotted as the permanent number two receiver for this offense.

The reason is that whenever he’s on the field, he’s making a key block or making a big play with the ball in his hands. Teams have to honor his speed, and it just feels like he gives this offense a different element that they didn’t have previously.

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This season, Williams has only played 271 offensive snaps but he’s only been active since week 5 of the season. Meanwhile, his offensive snap percentage has been 50% or higher since Week 9 against the Chargers. But if the Lions started playing him more, he would start taking snaps from receiver Josh Reynolds.

For Reynolds, he’s played 611 offensive snaps this season and has been averaging 64% or more snaps since week 9 against the Chargers. During that time, Reynolds has only recorded 6 receptions for 53 yards and a score. Despite playing less snaps, we’re seeing Williams produce better results. Since week 9, Williams has recorded 7 receptions for 124 yards and a score.

To me, it’s evident that the change needs to happen. Williams provides more of a spark for an offense that is already creative enough to get the ball into the hands of their play makers.

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson showed that creativity with a double reverse that found Williams diving into the end-zone for a touchdown that extended the Lions lead to 12 points. Let’s breakdown this touchdown for the Lions talented first round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft!

Despite being up 21-0 on the Saints, the Lions found themselves in a much tighter ball game than expected. Entering the 4th quarter, it was 27-21 and it was starting to feel like the Saints were going to take the lead. However, Jameson Williams and the Lions offense had a better idea.

Looking at the play above, we’re just seconds into the 4th quarter and the Lions are faced with a 2nd-and-10 on the Saints 19-yard line. The Lions come out with Jared Goff under center with his 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) on the field.

Once the ball is snapped, Goff fakes the hand-off to David Montgomery in the backfield and while Goff is carrying out his fake to the running back, he hands the ball off to wide receiver Kaliff Raymond. This is due to Raymond looping around to the backfield on the reverse.

However, to spice it up, not only does Raymond get the ball from Goff, he ends up handing it off to Jameson Williams. What makes this play remarkable is that Williams almost goes about 15 yards into the backfield to get the ball and then his speed and acceleration after getting the ball is just so impressive.

With a clear lane to the end-zone, Williams puts his foot on the gas and doesn’t stop until he scores. Lost in the speed of Jamo, there were two key blocks downfield on this play.

The first one is Graham Glasgow getting out in space and kicking out the cornerback that is flying across the field to make the tackle. Additionally, Penei Sewell blocks downfield and gets up to the safety to close off any angle that defender has to the football. The speed of Jamo is just the cherry on top for this play.

Jonah Jackson’s absence shows his value to the Lions

Pro Bowl LG Jonah Jackson has been missed in the Lions lineup lately, and that only helps his case to return as a free agent in 2024

Of the myriad issues that plagued the Detroit Lions in their Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers, the offensive line’s substandard performance really stands out.

It was an atypical bad game for everyone on the Lions line, from likely All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell to bedrock veteran left tackle Taylor Decker. The biggest hole, however, was at left guard.

Rookie Colby Sorsdal was overwhelmed and overmatched in his second career start. Sorsdal got benched midway through the game for Kayode Awosika, who had two very nice plays before degenerating into an abject disaster.

Sorsdal and Awosika fizzled in their collective chance to replace Jonah Jackson. The Pro Bowl left guard missed his second straight game with a wrist injury. Jackson has played just once since Week 5, also missing a few games with a high ankle sprain. His absence has been notable.

For a pending free agent like Jackson, missing games like he has shines a spotlight on his value to the team. It’s clear the Lions sorely need Jackson in the lineup, especially for his pass protection in front of Jared Goff, who has turned the ball over six times in two games thanks in part to the increased pressure created by Jackson’s injuries.

Goff is not a quarterback who handles pressure in the pocket well. It’s just not who he is as a quarterback. Goff has never been effective under pressure, going back to his college days at Cal or even his Pro Bowl heyday with the Los Angeles Rams. He needs a good offensive line that he trusts. Goff has that in Detroit with Jackson in the lineup. Without him, it’s been ugly.

Given the right guard situation, Jackson’s value goes up even more. Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Graham Glasgow are both free agents after the 2023 season. Vaitai appears done due to his ongoing back injury. Glasgow has proven himself a capable starter in his return to Detroit, but he’s 31 and lacks long-term presence even if he comes back as a free agent.

Sorsdal could still emerge as a solution at one guard spot. He’s had some positive moments as a fifth-round rookie converting from FCS-level right tackle to NFL guard, and he’s got one of the best OL coaches in the business in Hank Fraley helping him. The loss to the Packers showed he’s not ready yet, certainly not on the left side.

All that means leverage for Jackson as he hits free agency for the first time. He’ll be one of the top interior linemen on the market in a league that is absolutely desperate for quality starters at any OL spot. It’s hard to fathom the Lions starting two new guards in 2024, but that could very well be the case if Jackson leaves as a free agent. With all the needs on defense, bringing back a valuable piece like Jackson on offense would allow GM Brad Holmes and his crew to focus more on bolstering the anemic pass rush and incapable secondary.

Get well soon, Jonah. You’re going to need that wrist healthy enough to sign a big new contract, be it in (hopefully) Detroit or somewhere else.

Film Review: Best run blocks from the Lions offensive line versus the Chargers

Ever since Dan Campbell became the head coach of the Detroit Lions, their offensive line has been the most consistent unit in football. Regardless of who they’ve had playing up front, the physical play from the group has become their identity. Led by players such as Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, it has done wonders for this team.

Currently, the Lions are the 4th best rushing team in the NFL with 139.0 rushing yards per game. Overall, their 406.4 total yards per game are second best in the NFL. The only team with a better offense right now are the Miami Dolphins.

When watching the Lions against the Chargers in week 10, it was evident that their offensive line was playing some of their best football this season. Much of that is due to the return of Jonah Jackson at left guar , Frank Ragnow at center and Graham Glasgow cementing himself as a solid starter at right guard. Let’s jump into the tape from the Lions game against the Chargers to see why this offensive line is playing at such a high level.

One of the most underrated blocks from the entire game for the Lions was right here. Looking at the play above, the Lions come out in 11 personnel (one tight end and one running back) with a condensed set on the left of the formation.

Prior to the snap, Jared Goff puts Amon-Ra St. Brown on a jet-motion to the right of the formation. As St. Brown hurries across, Goff snaps the football off to Jahmyr Gibbs. Looking at the offensive line, you can see how the entire offensive line steps hard to their left and reaches left. This indicates a zone run and in the process, you’ll see Graham Glasgow highlighted at right guard.

The reason for Glasgow getting highlighted is not for what he did on a brief combo block with Penei Sewell. Instead, it’s for the heads up play he made after he steps down and gets up to the linebacker. As the inside linebacker attacks downhill and looks to fill in the A-gap, Glasgow does just enough to force the defender out of the way. This clears a path for Gibbs to gain five yards and a first down. This play had disaster written all over it but Glasgow made it a positive gain.

Moving to the next play, the Lions have Jared Goff under center. Prior to the snap, he puts tight end Brock Wright in motion. After Wright gets past Goff, the ball is snapped and is tossed to Jahmyr Gibbs. Even though this is a great cut and overall gain from Gibbs, I want to focus on right tackle Penei Sewell.

Despite having Wright in motion, Sewell is able to fire out of his stance and pulls to become one of the lead blockers for Gibbs. As Sewell gets out there, he doesn’t play too fast. In fact, his play speed is perfect. Reason being, if he plays too fast, his angle to the defender will worsen. Meanwhile, he knows the defenders have to come to him because they’re trying to tackle the ball carrier.

As Sewell is on the move, he looks inside and finds the inside linebacker trying to scrape over the top. With great power and speed, Sewell sends the linebacker away from Gibbs and helps keep an open rushing lane for some additional yards.

Going to the next play, it was one of the biggest runs of the day from the Lions. It was a 35-yard run from Jahmyr Gibbs that setup the first touchdown of the day for Detroit. Looking at the play above, the Lions come out in 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) and Jared Goff is under center.

Prior to the snap, Goff puts a tight end in motion and once the tight end gets past him, he snaps the football. On a short toss to Gibbs, there’s two combo blocks that occur on this play. The first one is with Sewell (RT) and Glasgow (RG). They double the defensive end that is aligned as a 4-technique or head up on the right tackle. Meanwhile, look at the combo block from Jackson (LG) and Ragnow (C) on the nose tackle.

The blocks from the entire offensive line is terrific but seeing Ragnow and Jackson turn a defender and drive him 7 or 8 yards downfield is magnificent. It creates a huge rushing lane for Gibbs and he makes a terrific cut to run across the field and towards the end-zone.

It’s unfortunate that Gibbs was out at the one-yard line but on the very next play, he ended up scoring. Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that Gibbs gained at least three or four yards before any defender put a hand on him during this run. Per Pro Football Reference, the Lions average 2.7 yards before contact per attempt (tied for 11th best in the NFL).

The next run I want to showcase is perfect to describe the Lions and their identity as a team. The play above is the drive following the Kerby Joseph interception in the first quarter. Even though it’s 4th-and-5, it was decided by Dan Campbell that the Lions were going to roll the dice on this play.

Looking at the play, the Lions come out in a shotgun formation with 11 personnel (one tight end and one running back). On the play, they run a trap play where the left guard Jonah Jackson pulls to the play-side. As Jackson turns upfield, he meets a defensive tackle that is aligned as a 3-technique and is crashing inside.

Meanwhile, the right guard Graham Glasgow flips toward that same 3-technique aligned on his outside shoulder. This forces the defensive tackle to hesitate while trying to disrupt the backfield. This gives Jackson time to get into the A-gap and seal off the defensive tackle.

As for Glasgow, he gets out of the way and up to the second level to seal off a linebacker. This trap play is blocked perfectly by the Lions and the way it it’s blocked is key to the gain of six yards and a first down.

Lastly, I want to highlight one of my favorite plays from the entire game for the Lions. Looking at the play above, I simply want to highlight the combo block from Penei Sewell (RT 58) and Graham Glasgow (RG 60).

Once the ball is snapped, watch how they attack the defensive tackle aligned as a 3-technique between them. They drive this defender 10-yards downfield. Before the whistle, Sewell levels the defender into the dirt and looks for another person to hit.

While this wasn’t a massive gain, the block made from Sewell and Glasgow is a thing of beauty. Those types of blocks occur consistently from the Lions offensive line. The performance from this unit on Sunday against the Chargers was one of their best outings on the year so far.

Graham Glasgow supplants Big V at right guard for the Lions

Graham Glasgow supplants Big V as the starting right guard for the Lions

There is a new starting five for the Detroit Lions offensive line. Graham Glasgow has been installed as the new full-time starting right guard in place of Halapoulivaatit Vaitai.

Head coach Dan Campbell made it official on Wednesday.

Campbell was asked if Glasgow had earned the starting right guard job.

“Yeah, I think so. I think that’s fair,” Campbell responded. “We’re always assessing Big V, and (Vaitai) is still working at it. But Graham has been productive for us, and he’s been productive at three different spots — left guard, center and certainly right guard before that. So he’s been a big asset for us. That was a good signing for us to get, and fortunate to have him. He’s a steady, reliable piece for us.”

Vaitai has battled injuries all season and was one of two Lions still limited in practice. This week, it’s the same back injury that kept him out of the offensive lineup in Week 8, but Big V also missed a month with a knee injury.

Glasgow has performed well in Vaitai’s absence. It’s been a welcome shot of depth to get him back in Detroit, where Glasgow began his NFL career back in 2016. He moved to the Broncos as a free agent in 2020, but his time in Denver did not go well. Glasgow suffered a major ankle injury and did not play well for the Broncos at either guard or center.

The only immediate downside to moving Glasgow into the starting lineup is that he is the only backup center on the entire roster, including the practice squad. As long as Frank Ragnow is healthy–and he is now–it’s a moot point. Should Ragnow go down again as he did for Detroit’s last game, it would require shuffling two spots to move Glasgow into the pivot and replace him with someone at right guard — be it Vaitai or rookie Colby Sorsdal, who played capably in that spot against the Raiders.

The Lions interior offensive line could all be out vs. Raiders

The Lions have major injury issues on the interior offensive line and could start 3 players in new spots

The interior offensive line for the Detroit Lions could look all new in Week 8. Injuries to the regular trio of starters have the Lions looking at moving three reserves into unfamiliar roles for the Monday Night Football date with the Las Vegas Raiders.

All three regular starters carry injury statuses into the Week 8 game. Left guard Jonah Jackson has already been ruled out with a high ankle sprain. Center Frank Ragnow is listed as doubtful with a calf injury. Ragnow did not practice all week. Right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai is questionable with a back issue listed, even though he’s coming off a stretch where he missed several games with a knee injury.

There’s a very real chance none of the three play against Las Vegas. If so, Monday night’s line could very well look like this in between bookend tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell:

LG Kayode Awosika

C Graham Glasgow

RG Colby Sorsdal

Awosika has one start at left guard, an up-and-down matchup against the Buccaneers. Glasgow started in that spot last week, with Vaitai on the right side. Moving into center isn’t foreign for the veteran, but he hasn’t played there in this tour of duty with the Lions.

It would be Sorsdal’s first NFL start. A fifth-round rookie from William & Mary, Sorsdal is a college tackle that the Lions have been training at guard. He’s played 36 career snaps — at right tackle in the Week 3 win against Atlanta.

Veteran Dan Skipper has starting experience at guard, but he’s the only healthy backup tackle on the roster. With fullback Jason Cabinda on I.R., the Lions would need Skipper in the extra tackle role that offensive coordinator Ben Johnson uses. Glasgow’s backup at center figures to be Michael Niese, currently on the practice squad. He has one preseason game of center experience with the Buccaneers but otherwise has been a guard throughout both college and the NFL.

It’s a troubling development for Detroit to have all the injuries. The run game will also be without top RB David Montgomery against the Raiders. This looks like a game where the depth must come through above its pay grades and experience for the Lions.

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Best and worst PFF grades from the Lions loss to the Ravens

The Lions performance against the Baltimore Ravens was one of the more notable ones of the season. Not in the sense one could hope but that it may serve as a callback down the road when greener pastures are in front of them.

The Ravens cemented themselves as Super Bowl contenders, and the Lions still are as well. One bad week is something that every team goes through and upon looking deeper, PFF says there were some bright spots.

Offense, defense, and special teams all had their moments.

PFF and their deeper look allows for someone to find a silver lining in an otherwise abysmal display from the team. One of the major highlights, the offensive line. It wasn’t just them however, lots to like, and dislike, as one could expect.

Best and worst PFF grades from Week 6 win over Buccaneers

The Lions went on the road and secured an impressive victory over the Buccaneers. PFF had plenty of interesting grades from the matchup.

The Lions went on the road and secured an impressive victory over the Buccaneers. It was seen as one of the more interesting matchups on the NFL schedule in week six but they made it look easier than most imagined.

PFF and its advanced metrics and numbers always paint a more clear picture of how things went during the game. Detroit had plenty of good grades but they also had some players who either treaded the proverbial water or underachieved.

While the most important thing is the win and being atop the division, the Lions need to keep on the uptick they are experiencing. They have done a lot of the small things well and that is reflected by the top grades by PFF for this matchup.

Best and Worst PFF grades for the Lions Week 5 win over the Panthers

Here are the Detroit Lions best and worst PFF performers with this victory over the Carolina Panthers

The Detroit Lions seem to be a force to reckon with after a convincing 45-24 win against the Carolina Panthers. With a 4-1 record for the season, they show no signs of slowing down.

Despite missing key offensive players, the Lions were able to control the game. They dominated every aspect of the game, moving the ball with ease against the Panthers defense. The Lions defense was also strong, keeping everything in check and frustrating rookie quarterback Bryce Young. This was one of the most complete games the Lions have played in recent memory.

Given their impressive performance, it is no surprise that the Lions scored well in most departments with PFF. Here are the best and worst PFF performers from the Lions’ victory over the Panthers.

Lions snap count notes from Week 5 vs. Panthers

Breaking down how the Lions replaced Amon-Ra St. Brown and Brian Branch among other snap count notes from Week 5

Anytime there are key injuries to a team, it’s illuminating to check how the team covers the hole. For the Detroit Lions in the Week 5 bombardment of the Carolina Panthers, replacing Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs and Brian Branch proved pretty complex, based on the snap counts from Sunday’s game.

At wide receiver, St. Brown almost never leaves the field when he’s healthy. The Lions divvied up his snaps across several players in Week 5. No wideout played more than 35 of the 60 offensive reps.

Marvin Jones – 35
Kalif Raymond – 29
Jameson Williams – 28
Josh Reynolds – 28
Antoine Green – 11
Dylan Drummond – 5

It was the season debut for Williams, who caught two passes, and the NFL debut for undrafted rookie Drummond, who was not targeted in the passing game. Reynolds entered the game listed as questionable with a groin injury, which might explain his relative lack of usage. He led all wideouts with four receptions and five targets.

Detroit used more of a two-TE set. Rookie Sam LaPorta played 52 of the 60 snaps, with Brock Wright on the field for 37 — more than any wideout. No. 3 TE Darrell Daniels played 15, absorbing the typical reps from fullback Jason Cabinda, who is now on injured reserve.

Along the offensive line, Graham Glasgow started at right guard and played the whole game. Halapoulivaati Vaitai only appeared on special teams. When left guard Jonah Jackson sat for three plays, it was Kayode Awosika who entered in his place.

The running back workload was straightforward with no Gibbs in the lineup. David Montgomery played 45 of the 60, followed by Craig Reynolds with 13 and Zonovan Knight with two. Knight left with an arm injury on his one touch. Reynolds didn’t play until the third quarter.

Defense

The Lions replaced Branch with a healthy dose of Will Harris as the slot corner. Harris played 68 of the 71 defensive snaps. With starting safeties Kerby Joseph and Tracy Walker each playing all 71, it’s a pretty clear-cut replacement role from Harris.

At linebacker, there was a notable change. Malcolm Rodriguez did not play on defense, only appearing on special teams. Alex Anzalone (69), Derrick Barnes (45) and Jack Campbell (32) took all the reps.

Two Lions defenders made their 2023 debuts, albeit briefly in both cases. Julian Okwara was on the field for three snaps at EDGE, while CB Emmanuel Moseley lasted just two plays before suffering an injury to his right knee.

Chase Lucas and Ifeatu Melifonwu did not appear on defense, leaving a heavy DB workload for Cam Sutton (70 of 71 snaps) and Jerry Jacobs (68) at cornerback.