Allen Park — The Lions’ offensive line is nationally recognized as one of the best in the NFL, but for the first time in three seasons, the team’s projected five starters are on track to share the field during a regular-season game.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson couldn’t be more thrilled.
“Love it,” Johnson said Saturday. “It’s my blankie. It’s (quarterback) Jared (Goff)’s blankie. I mean, those guys, they’re good, they’re special, they really are. They’re one of the top units in the league and I think we’ve always felt that way inside the building. This year, we really need to come out and prove that to the rest of the league. I think they understand that and they’re looking forward to it.”
The Lions have invested heavily in the unit, starting with previous general manager Bob Quinn and continuing under the watchful eye of current GM Brad Holmes. The Lions have first-round picks at both tackles in Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. Center Frank Ragnow was also a first-round pick for Quinn, and the Pro Bowler had his contract extended by Holmes early in his tenure, while left guard Jonah Jackson was a third-round choice.
The fifth starting spot, right guard, was contested between veterans Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Graham Glasgow throughout training camp. And even though signs pointed to Vaitai being able to retain the job after missing last season with a back injury, Johnson wasn’t ready to confirm.
“We’ve got six guys that we believe are starters,” Johnson said. “Six guys that can go out at any time and function at a really, really high level. … (I) feel really good about the top six and I’m not going to say who’s going to be the starter, I just know I have a lot of confidence in Big V and Graham.”
Asked if the two could split time, Johnson responded vaguely.
“Could see a lot of things,” he said.
Johnson was in his first year with the Lions when the team implemented a guard rotation, subbing out then-starter Glasgow for backup Kenny Wiggins a handful of drives each game. That was an unpopular move with the fan base and loathed by Glasgow, who departed in free agency the following offseason. But the circumstances are different this time around, with the talent gap between the two players significantly narrower.
“I think it is a challenge to get in a rhythm when you’re getting in and out of series,” Johnson responded, when asked what he learned about the previous rotation experience. “But these guys are professionals, so when their number is called, they’re going to be ready to go.”
Regardless of whether it’s Glasgow or Vaitai on the field, Johnson has never hidden his admiration for the entire group, which he feels gives him the freedom for rare schematic and play-calling flexibility.
“We have an offensive line that’s capable of running damn near anything, in my opinion,” Johnson told The Detroit News in an interview earlier this offseason. “That allows this to work. If we didn’t have the offensive line that we have right now, we wouldn’t be able to be as multiple, exotic, whatever name you want to call it. Those are the guys that are really the driving force, the engine behind what we were able to do a year ago and what we’re counting on again this year.”
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
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