Tag: Penei Sewell

Report on Lions OT Penei Sewell: ‘He’s good’ after foot injury

Report on Lions OT Penei Sewell: ‘He’s good’ after suffering a left foot injury in Wednesday’s practice

Breathe deep, Lions fans. Calm the pulse, keep the heart rate in check and swallow the fear that swept across Lions fandom on Wednesday afternoon.

When news broke out of the final Lions practice of the preseason that All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell left the session with a foot injury that required further evaluation, it set off panic alarms. Fortunately, an initial report from well-sourced Lions reporter Justin Rogers indicates things should be fine.

“He’s good,” Rogers quoted a Lions team source regarding Sewell and his injured left foot.

That’s an optimistically ambiguous statement. The same basic message was shared about cornerback Terrion Arnold after he suffered a chest injury nine days ago in practice, and he still hasn’t returned to action. However, it’s a great harbinger that Sewell’s injury isn’t a serious one that will require any surgery or extended absence from the lineup.

Detroit kicks off the regular season on September 8th, which gives Sewell 18 days to heal up and get ready for the Rams.

Penei Sewell suffers foot injury in Lions final scrimmage

Penei Sewell suffers foot injury in Lions final scrimmage

The final practice of the Detroit Lions training camp/preseason schedule was a de facto scrimmage. Unfortunately, even in the more controlled environment than a preseason game, the Lions suffered a real injury scare.

All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell suffered a foot injury in the second half of Wednesday’s practice. Sewell stayed down after a pass play and required attention from trainers.

Eventually, Sewell walked off very slowly under his own power. He is being evaluated for a foot injury.

The Lions have no more media access before Saturday, when Detroit hosts Pittsburgh in the preseason finale.

Lions Frank Ragnow snubbed on the NFL Top 100

Lions All-Pro center Frank Ragnow is a glaring snub from this year’s NFL Top 100 list

Whenever I see power rankings, position rankings and things of that nature, I always take it with a grain of salt. Not everyone is going to agree with those lists or rankings and more often than not, everyone tends to be a little different with how they rank a team or a player.

That said, the NFL and the players that vote on the NFL Top-100 players got it wrong by not having Frank Ragnow on their list this year. As of now, the top 10 is still set to be revealed, but the way it sits, there are only two interior offensive linemen in the top 100.

I’d be curious what the criteria is to make the NFL Top-100. Is it data and analytical rankings from sites such as Pro Football Focus (PFF)? Or is it based off the number of games played? Could these rankings be strictly based off the film?

Whatever the case may be, Ragnow is better than just about everyone at his position. Especially now that Eagles’ longtime center Jason Kelce retired. But when you look at the PFF grades for centers in the NFL, Ragnow led the way in 2023 with an 88.1 overall grade.

If you go to the film, you can see multiple reps on every single drive where Ragnow just dominates the opposition. Whether it’s physically driving defenders into the dirt or just having proper positioning to climb the second level and seal off linebackers and safeties.

Look at the play above where Ragnow gets up to the second level and clamps onto a linebacker with ease. He stays square, keeps his hands tight and inside and then he shows off his grip strength by being able to steer and drive the defender. The defenders in the NFL would be lying if they said there’s no game plan or preparation needed for Ragnow.

Meanwhile, he’s tough as nails. During the Lions playoff game against the Buccaneers in 2023, Ragnow suffered a sprained knee and ankle in that game. While he missed a few plays to get checked out by trainers, he came back in and finished the game. In fact, he made one of the key blocks from his knees on Vita Vea during a 4th and 1 run play from the Bucs half-yard line. This block helped keep running back Craig Reynolds clean long enough to enter the end zone for a touchdown.

You can call me biased or a fanboy, but the fact remains that Frank Ragnow should be rated as one of the top 100 players in the NFL. Certainly, the list means nothing to Ragnow but he should still be given a tip of the hat by his peers and by the league for his toughness and dominance at his position. If he can stay healthy, I’d expect that same dominance from the Lions 7-year veteran.

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Penei Sewell lands at No. 22 Top 100 NFL Players list

Penei Sewell lands at No. 22 Top 100 NFL Players list

Penei Sewell was rewarded with a new contract for his play on the field and now he has been recognized by his peers as one of the best players in the NFL. The Lions’ right tackle landed at No. 22 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024, his first appearance on the list.

Sewell is coming off an All-Pro season, one in which he was charged with just one sack allowed, per Pro Football Focus. The former Oregon tackle and No. 7 pick of the 2021 draft has quickly become one of the top tackles in the league, starting every game since coming into the league and is now a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

Sewell signed a four-year extension worth $112 million ($85 million guaranteed) this offseason to make him the highest-paid offensive tackle in NFL history.

Sewell joined wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the top 25 of the list. The Sun God was right behind Sewell at No. 23. Overall, Sewell was the fifth Lion revealed on the list.

  • TE Sam LaPorta – No. 80
  • QB Jared Goff – No. 48
  • DE Aidan Hutchinson – No. 47
  • WR Amon-Ra St. Brown – No. 23
  • OT Penei Sewell – No. 22

With 20 players still to be revealed, could we still see left tackle Taylor Decker, who also just signed a new contract?

Overall, the Lions’ breakthrough 2023 season has given them a lot of respect throughout the league.  They already have more players on this list than they did last year (Goff, St. Brown, Hutchinson).

REPORT: Tristan Wirfs, Bucs nearing extension agreement

Star left tackle Tristan Wirfs and the Buccaneers are nearing a deal for a contract extension according to the Tampa Bay Times.

It is only a matter of time, but according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud, the Buccaneers and Tristan Wirfs are close to completing a contract extension that would like make Wirfs the highest paid offensive tackle in the NFL. The Times’ Joey Knight even ventures that a deal could be done before Tampa Bay’s first padded practice of training camp tomorrow.

There are very good reasons for both sides to get a done as soon as possible. Wirfs wants long-term job security, to avoid injury and the possibility of playing on the franchise tag next year. The Bucs want to lock in one of the best pass-blockers in the NFL and the cornerstone of their offensive line.

Some of the deals signed earlier this offseason should provide some glimpse into a likely Wirfs contract. Lions right tackle Penei Sewell signed  a four-year, $112 million deal averaging $28 million per year, the most ever for a tackle. Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw just signed a four-year, $104 million deal, which included less overall money but guaranteed slightly more.

The details of Wirfs’ extension are likely the main culprit for the tardiness of an agreement. The Bucs probably want a four- or five-year deal with more money loaded into the backend to relieve their salary cap next year. Wirfs may want more cash up-front and a shorter deal so that he can hit free agency once more before he turns 30.

While these details have drawn out negotiations, there is little question a deal will get done. General manager Jason Licht said on WDAE that Wirfs deserves to be the “highest-paid” tackle in the NFL, a distinction he also made when talking about Antoine Winfield Jr. before making him the highest-paid safety. Time is the only real thing separating Wirfs and a long future with Tampa Bay.

Chargers OT Rashawn Slater not focused on possible contract extension

Will Rashawn Slater secure a new contract ahead of the upcoming season, or will the team adopt a wait-and-see approach?

Rashawn Slater has proven to be one of the top offensive tackles in the league, and he is due to get paid like one.

However, Slater isn’t currently focused on a potential contract extension.

“Honestly, I’m just focused on the season right now,” Slater said on Thursday.

The question came after two other tackles in his draft class – Lions’ Penei Sewell and Vikings’ Christian Darrisaw – recently got paid high-end money.

The Chargers picked up Slater’s fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through 2025.

Slater made his mark in his rookie season, earning All-Pro recognition. Unfortunately, his sophomore season was cut short by a torn biceps injury. However, he didn’t let this setback define him. Slater returned to the field and started all regular-season games in 2023, allowing just three sacks and 38 pressures on 726 pass-block snaps.

Entering his fourth season, Slater will be the staple of the Chargers’ offensive line, which will be a focal point as they look to build a prolific rushing attack.

Despite his undeniable worth, the question of Slater’s contract remains open. Will he secure a new contract ahead of the upcoming season, or will the team adopt a wait-and-see approach, evaluating his performance in the new offense?

Lions rank high in ESPN’s future power rankings

Lions rank high in ESPN’s future power rankings

The Detroit Lions are in a championship window following their run to the NFC Championship Game in 2023. Their 2024 prospects are high among those in the media. But what about after 2024? Are the Lions set to keep their championship aspirations?

ESPN seems to think so based on their recent future power rankings based on rosters, coaching staff and front office.

The Lions checked in at No. 4 on the list.

Reason for hope: The Lions may eventually lose offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to a head coaching job, but it hasn’t happened yet — which is selfishly good for Dan Campbell and Detroit’s offense. The team spent a lot this offseason, but it now has key players (including receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell) secured for the long term. And the culture that Campbell has built here has already resulted in an NFC Championship Game appearance and has the arrow pointing up. — Dan Graziano

There were some concerns brought up, too,

Reason for concern: General manager Brad Holmes did everything he could to fix a secondary that gave up way too many explosive plays last season, and Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis III will make an impact there. But I still have many doubts about which pass rusher will support third-year defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Hutch has 21 sacks over his first two seasons combined but has had little help. Detroit was 27th in PRWR in 2023, and Marcus Davenport (signed this offseason) has never played a full season in his six-year career, so I’m not counting on the production to come from him. — Louis Riddick

Nugget to know: Last season, the Lions were the fourth-youngest defense in the NFL based on snap-weighted age (25.5). This year, they project to be the youngest defense based on the average age of the 12 starters (including both base and nickel defenses) at 25.3. Linebacker Alex Anzalone is the only projected starter over 28, and four projected starters are still under 24. — Aaron Schatz

Not only are the Lions very high on this list and already in the Super Bowl mix, they are the highest ranked NFC team. The Philadelphia Eagles came in right behind the Lions at No. 5 with the San Francisco 49ers at No. 7.

The Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills were the only teams ranked above the Lions.

Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell were signed to extensions this offseason as the Lions kept some of the core of their roster locked up for the next few years during their Super Bowl window.

The window is open and the future is bright in Detroit.

Penei Sewell is the most valuable offensive tackle over past two seasons

Lions star Penei Sewell is the most valuable offensive tackle over past two seasons in PFF grading

When looking at Pro Football Focus (PFF), there’s a bunch of tools, data and analytics that help paint a picture on how good players in the NFL are at their position. These tools help rank these players by position and overall groupings.

For Penei Sewell, he’s been one of the highest ranked offensive tackles since he entered the league in 2021. According to PFF, Sewell earned a 93.1 PFF run-blocking grade — one of the best single-season marks of the past 18 seasons.

Meanwhile, he only allowed one sack in pass protection last season. Over the last two seasons, Sewell has been the highest rated offensive tackle according to the PFF WAR Data over the last two seasons. The PFF WAR data helps determine the following on a player:

  • Positional Value
  • Stability
  • What to expect moving forward

Looking at the PFF WAR for other offensive tackles selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, Sewell has been the highest ranked tackle to this point. Penei Sewell has a WAR of 1.24. Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw has a WAR of 0.78 and Rashawn Slater is at 0.72 for his WAR.

Overall, Sewell is ranked as the 28th player in the PFF Top-50 players list for last season. He wasn’t ranked higher than Lane Johnson or Tristan Wirfs but regardless, PFF still recognizes Sewell as one of the best tackles in football. At 23-years old, there’s no doubt that we’re witnessing not just one of the best tackles in football but one of the best players in football. For more on the PFF Top-50 for 2024, you can check out the list here!

The Detroit Lions offensive line is top-ranked unit going into 2024 season

The Detroit Lions offensive line is top-ranked unit going into 2024 season as more national outlets keep ranking the Lions No. 1

It should come to no surprise that the Detroit Lions have the top ranked offensive line going into the 2024 season. When looking at rankings compiled by both Sharp Football Analysis and Pro Football Focus (PFF), the Lions offensive line is at the top spot for both data sites.

Looking at Sharp Football, they’ve got the Lions ranked number one with the following reasoning behind it:

“The Lions signed 12-year veteran Kevin Zeitler in the offseason to replace Jonah Jackson on their offensive line. Zeitler is coming off his first Pro Bowl season and will join a unit that we ranked No. 1 in the NFL. Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker both ranked in the top 10 in ESPN’s pass block win rate while guard Graham Glasgow finished second in run block win rate.”

As for Pro Football Focus, they had this to say about the Lions offensive line:

“When healthy, the Lions’ offensive line was arguably the best unit in the NFL last season. Right tackle Penei Sewell was the league’s highest-graded offensive lineman, and Frank Ragnow earned the top spot among centers. Although the unit lost right guard Jonah Jackson in free agency, the Lions signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who ranked 15th in PFF grade among guards in 2023.”

Additionally, the PFF article shows the offensive grades for the Lions offensive line. It shows the following:

LT: Taylor Decker — 81.1 (9th out of 81 offensive tackles ranked)

LG: Graham Glasgow — 74.9 (8th out of 79 offensive guards ranked)

C: Frank Ragnow — 88.8 (1st out of 36 centers ranked)

RG: Kevin Zeitler — 71.6 (15th out of 79 offensive guards ranked)

RT: Penei Sewell — 92.8 (1st out of 81 offensive tackles ranked)

Having the top ranked offensive tackle and center in the NFL shows up on tape every single week for the Lions. It’ll be interesting to see if the Lions can maintain this top spot all season long. With the addition of Kevin Zeitler and draft capital spent on the offensive line, it appears likely for the Detroit Lions to be dominant in the trenches once again.

Jahymr Gibbs rookie season film review

Jahymr Gibbs rookie season film review from Lions Wire’s Russell Brown reveals a dynamic building block for the Detroit Lions offense

When the Detroit Lions were on the clock with the 6th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they made a surprising move to trade down. This gave them the 12th overall pick and the 34th overall pick that they used to select tight end Sam LaPorta. However, they surprised everyone by selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs out of Alabama with the 12th overall pick.

Some called it careless, and others called it clueless. It’s only been one season, but the tune towards the Jahmyr Gibbs selection has changed. It’s changed so much that some would call them geniuses.

After 15 games played as a rookie, Gibbs compiled 945 rushing yards on 182 carries and this led to 10 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, Gibbs was able to record 52 receptions for 316 yards and a touchdown.

It’s been evident that the Lions have wanted a split backfield under Dan Campbell and while they feed David Montgomery plenty of carries, that doesn’t change the way Gibbs can impact a game. Let’s dive into some film to review the rookie season from Gibbs and how impactful he really is for the Detroit Lions offense.

Now it’s extremely difficult to pick which plays to highlight from Gibbs’ first season in the NFL. That said, I picked 3 plays through my summer re-watch on his film to highlight for this article.

The first play I want to highlight is from week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings. For Detroit, they come out with their ’11’ personnel (one running back and one tight end), but they’re aligned with a condensed set on both sides of the formation.

Prior to the snap, Jared Goff sends Kalif Raymond on an exit motion to the left of the formation. Post-snap, Amon-Ra St. Brown runs underneath the line of scrimmage (LOS) and as you can see Vikings safety Harrison Smith is aligned in man coverage and goes into a full-out sprint in the same direction as St. Brown.

While this play looks like it could lead to a potential play-action pass with St. Brown spilling out to the flats, this play is a designed run. With a great combo block between Frank Ragnow and Graham Glasgow on the right side, there’s also a good kick out by Penei Sewell. As Gibbs gets the football, he follows his blockers and while he slightly hesitates, it looks like he has nowhere to go but that’s all by design.

Gibbs shows his ability to start and stop while being able to run through initial contact. The burst to get the edge and upfield gets put on display and all of this contributes to him scoring one of his two touchdowns from this game.

The next play I want to highlight is certainly a tip of the hat to the Lions offensive line. For starters, we all need to give kudos to Frank Ragnow for his ability to peel off his combo block and pick up the blitzing inside linebacker. As you can see, his body may be positioned full to the right but his head is inside and all eyes are on that linebacker.

Next, look at Penei Sewell going toe-to-toe with Joey Bosa on the right side. While Bosa gets turned around, this gives a slight opening for Gibbs and look at how explosive he is once he makes his way through the hole.

While this run is credited to excellent blocking, it’s also impressive to see Gibbs play with little hesitation on this run. As I mentioned, he puts his explosiveness and speed on display and it’s the type of play that helps set the tone.

This is one of those runs where the defense gets back to their huddle and each player has an internal conversation that they’ve got to buckle up or they’re in for a long day. Unfortunately for the Chargers, it was a long day as they gave up 200 rushing yards, 41 points and over 530 total yards.

Lastly, I want to look at how Gibbs can be a mismatch machine. For starters, if he gets a linebacker aligned over the top of him, there’s a good chance he’ll find a way to get open. He may only beat that linebacker by one step, but if he gets open, that’s all that matters.

Looking at the play above, the Lions come out with a trips right formation. Out of the backfield, you’ll see Gibbs run a speed out against the linebacker. With how shifty and explosive he can be, you’ll notice the linebacker get flat-footed and stop in preparation of Gibbs breaking the route off inside.

This gives Gibbs plenty of separation and Goff delivers a good ball to him for the first down. Even though he only averaged 2.43 yards per carry in this game, Gibbs did have 7 receptions for 39 yards in this game.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it was a strong rookie season for Jahmyr Gibbs, and it appears that he could take an even bigger step this season. While he does split backfield duties with David Montgomery, the play making ability from Gibbs is electric. That showed once he started to get settled into the Lions offense and into the NFL. From week 7 through week 17, he recorded 766 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

During the Lions playoff run, he scored in every single game and averaged 4.97 yards per carry. According to Player Profiler, Gibbs had a 8.2% breakaway run rate last season and that was second best in the NFL. Meanwhile, he evaded 56 tackles last season (3.7 per game) and that was ranked 13th in the NFL.

Whether you’re for or against taking a running back in the first round, one thing is for sure, Jahmyr Gibbs looks worthy of being selected there. He’s a difference maker with the football in his hands and it feels like he can score at any moment. Look for him to take more than just a step forward this season.